Rare Bristol Freighter takes another step forward in on-going restoration

In a significant milestone in Bristol Freighter’s restoration at Aerospace Bristol, the wings of the Type 170 aircraft have been moved into a purpose-built tent, built by the museum’s outstanding Conservation volunteers.

Last week, with the joint efforts of our incredible Conservation volunteers and Operations team, the wings of Bristol Freighter were removed from the museum’s Hangar 16R to a tent outside the Conservation Workshop.

Built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, the Type 170 was brought home from New Zealand in 2018. In March 2023, the aircraft was moved across the Conservation Workshop so the doors could be opened, and visitors could access the interior.

Now, visitors in the workshop can enjoy the innovatively designed Freighter with a 108ft wingspan; learn about its history both as a freighter and as a passenger airliner and step aboard the aircraft that once allowed cargo – including vehicles and large animals - to be loaded via its nose.