Eve

EVE TRAKWAY PAVES THE WAY FOR CONCORDE'S NEW HOME

Eve Trakway is well renowned for providing temporary access solutions to a number of high-profile organisations and events but none as iconic and prestigious as the nations much loved flagship aircraft, Concorde.

Even in her retired state, public fascination with the super-sonic plane has never faded, something which British Airways and Manchester Airport is very much aware of. As a result, the aviation legend is being moved to a new, state-of-the-art £1 million super hanger.

Whilst the hanger is being constructed, an interim home is required to keep her on public view. However, as a result of the sheer size and weight of Concorde (96 tonnes), Costain Ltd, approved BAA contractor, requested the expertise of Europe’s leading supplier of temporary access solutions, Eve Trakway, to provide an interim surface for Concorde to remain on, until it’s new home is officially opened in 2009.

Rick Barnett, Managing Director at Eve Trakway says: “Historically, Eve Trakway has been involved in providing temporary access to many prestigious and diverse events, which have each required specific and tailored solutions. However, when we were approached by Costain Ltd, regarding the move of Concorde, we knew that this national treasure required a sensitive approach.

“With this in mind, we looked towards supplying 12m x 80m of a product known as AM2, a solution that was once used as a temporary runway during the Falkland Island conflict, to support heavy military aircraft. This particular product will more than support the weight of the Concorde, even with the longevity of its temporary position until the new hanger is completed.”
 
Andrew Holl, Operations Director for Manchester Airport, also commented on the project: “Even though the aircraft is grounded, Concorde still has a huge public appeal, both nationally and internationally. It is therefore only fitting that she is given a new home, suitable her high calibre status. This does not mean however, that until the new hanger is ready, we want to keep her from public view, far from it. Thus we turned to Eve Trakway, as we are fully aware of their expertise in this particular field, to provide a safe and temporary home for the aircraft, that will continue to allow the public to view this national icon.
 
“With the aircraft now being successfully moved, I am delighted with the results, in terms of a safe logistical switch with no damage to the plane. More importantly, its temporary home is more than sufficient in supporting Concorde’s shear size, weight and splendour and has not had an effect on the public being able to view her.”

Eve Trakway is the chosen supplier of temporary access products to many high-profile events during 2008 including Glastonbury, V Festivals, Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Chelsea Flower Show and the Badminton Horse Trials.