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A British aviation team is aiming to build a replica of the world’s largest bi-plane and fly the aircraft to promote the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Team Merlin, which operates rare and unique aircraft, is working on its project ‘Imperial 42’ to replicate the Handley Page HP42, which was the ‘Concorde of its era’ and symbolised the golden age of travel in the 1930s.
The aircraft, together with Imperial Airways (predecessor to British Airways) set up airlines and air routes throughout the world ingraining it into many airlines’ histories, and included a major traveller’s base in Sharjah.
The aircraft was used by royalty, politicians and film stars to ferry them around the world in luxury. Author Agatha Christie who wrote ‘Death in the Clouds’ based on this aircraft of which she was a regular traveller.
The airliner had an interior to match the best London restaurant by basing itself on the Pullman railway carriages of the Orient Express, and although quite slow, the aircraft was known for its service, for example giving a five course dinner on its flight from London to Paris.
The aircraft was the first in the world to fly one million miles, had a 100 per cent safety record, and set a trend for the rest of the world to follow.
Neil Farley, Team Leader: Team Merlin – Aviation and Film, said: “This project has taken 20 years of world-wide research to get to this stage where we can now say the entire infrastructure and technical details are in place, and we are now in a unique position to start the aircraft build. Presently we have some material sponsors for the build and once flying we have interest from many sectors in and out of aviation, from fashion houses who originally used the aircraft, to sporting events and already a major part in a planned feature film.”
He added: “We are now looking for interested individuals and companies who would like to be a part of this world famous record-breaking airliner and all the interesting activities planned. We are looking for mainly financial sponsors, but are also interested in materials and services. No matter to what degree you may want to be involved, this is a unique and refreshingly different platform to promote yourself across the globe.”
Anyone interested in the project can contact Team Merlin through: www.team-merlin.com and the ‘Imperial 42’ project section, or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/teammerlin1996.
Thanks for covering our replica. We are very enthusiastic about having involvement from the UAE due to the historical connections, and look forward to flying the airliner to original destinations such as Sharjah for everyone to enjoy. Please ‘like’ our Facebook page to follow our progress: http://www.facebook.com/teammerlin1996