The Duxford Aviation Society

Vicker V701 Viscount G-ALWF Design of the Viscount, as a successor to the Viking began in 1945. It was handed over to BEA in February 1953 and was fitted out with a 40 seat, all first class interior. This was later changed to a 63 seat high-density layout. In August 1963 WF was sold to Channel Airways and in November 1964 they leased it to British Eagle. On the 15th December 1965 it transferred to Cabrian Airways who operated it until 24th December 1971 when it was taken out of service. On 12th April 1972 WF flew from Rhoose to Liverpool to be put on display to the public under the care of the Viscount Preservation Trust. Its closure as a public exhibit because of security regulations put its future in doubt until the Duxford Aviation Society offered to dismantle it and transport it to Duxford by road. During its working life it flew a total of 28,299 hours and made 25,938 landings.