Aerospace Bristol hosts biggest-ever gathering of Concorde crew to mark 50 years since iconic first commercial flight
On 21st January 2026 Aerospace Bristol welcomed its biggest gathering of former Concorde flight crew to the museum, with over 30 ex-Concorde captains, first officers, flight engineers and cabin crew coming together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight in 1976.
The anniversary was brought to life in dramatic fashion as Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde to fly – performed a timed ‘droop nose’ moment at 11:40am, marking the exact point the first commercial flight took off.
In a rare, synchronised tribute, two other supersonic Concorde aircraft in the UK, at Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park and IWM Duxford, simultaneously drooped noses creating a national nod to one of aviation’s most recognisable rituals.
The ‘droop nose’ remains one of Concorde’s most impressive visuals – a hydraulically operated nose cone pivoting down to give pilots visibility during take-off and landing, overcoming the obstruction caused by Concorde’s famously streamlined shape.
Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, says:
“Concorde still has an extraordinary ability to stop people in their tracks, for good reason. It’s instantly recognisable, incredibly photogenic and packed with stories of human ambition and engineering brilliance. We’re thrilled to be able to bring this amazing crew together to celebrate this milestone for Concorde – it continues to play a huge part of our story and the heritage and legacy of aviation in our region. Today was about sharing stories of ambition, collaboration and engineering prowess, giving people the behind-the-scenes detail, celebrating our work as a museum and showing why we work so hard to do what we do.”
Attendees included 17 captains, 9 first officers and 7 flight engineers, alongside passionate Aerospace Bristol volunteers.
Aerospace Bristol has also announced their packed programme of family events for Concorde’s 50th anniversary year, find out more here.
