The council's cabinet approved amendments to the loan agreement at their October meeting. These changes include a revised repayment schedule designed to help the museum invest in its facilities and secure its future as a key local attraction.
Councillor Chris Willmore, South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member and Heritage Champion, highlighted the deep connection between the region and the aerospace industry. He stated, "The aerospace industry has been at the heart of our area for generations... Countless local families can visit the museum and see the story of what their parents, grandparents and neighbours helped to achieve." He emphasised the importance of investing in the museum not only for preserving the past but also for inspiring future innovation in areas like low and zero-carbon aviation technologies.
"Every local family has a connection to aerospace in one way or another," Councillor Willmore added, referencing major employers like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Airbus, and GKN, as well as the wider supply chain. He noted personal family connections to the industry, underscoring its significance to the area's identity.
Sally Cordwell, chief executive of Aerospace Bristol, expressed gratitude for the council's support. "Aerospace Bristol is the only museum dedicated to the area’s extraordinary aerospace heritage," she said. The museum welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year and has launched an ambitious conservation programme for Europe’s only surviving Bristol Freighter. She also highlighted the museum's commitment to inspiring the next generation, having welcomed over 13,000 young people through its educational programmes.
Cordwell acknowledged the challenges faced by charities, stating, "Like many charities, we’re balancing rising costs with visitors having less to spend." She recognised the value the museum brings to local people, communities, and the region.
Aerospace Bristol offers interactive exhibits, an outdoor play area, and children's trails. In the 2024/25 period, the facility saw nearly 100,000 visitors, with 45 per cent being local residents. The museum serves as an education and skills hub, hosting 13,000 school visits annually and providing work placements. It also preserves regional heritage with its air industry-related archive.
The museum features fully equipped learning spaces and an educational programme developed with industry partners to foster STEM skills and explore engineering careers. It is home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, offering close-up views and STEM workshops alongside other exhibits such as aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, and satellites.
Experiences are also available for youth organisations like Scouts, Brownies, Guides, and Air Cadets, including guided tours and practical engineering sessions. More information can be found at aerospacebristol.org.
