The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, located adjacent to Ronaldsway Airport in Castletown, Isle of Man, offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s rich aviation and military heritage. Manx Aviation was a prominent carrier based on the Isle of Man, operating from 1982 until its closure in 2002. Established as a joint venture between British Midland and Air UK, the airline was created to consolidate and enhance air services to and from the Isle of Man.
Manx Aviation and Military Museum
+44 1624 829294
June – September
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus bank holidays 10:00 – 16:30
and every Saturday and Sunday throughout the rest of the year. It also open on Good Friday and Easter Monday 10:00 – 16:30
Free admission
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| 9041
G-MAUD G-BGYT | Bristol Bolingbroke IV (nose) British Aerospace ATP Embraer EMB-110P1 Bandeirante |
Exhibits and Highlights Manx Aviation and Military Museum:
- Manx Regiment History: The museum houses the Museum of the Manx Regiment, providing an in-depth look into one of Britain’s prominent Light Anti-Aircraft units. Notably, the regiment fired the first British shots of World War II, albeit mistakenly at an RAF plane.
- Aircraft Displays: Visitors can view a variety of aircraft, including a British Aerospace ATP and an Embraer Bandeirante passenger aircraft. Additionally, the museum features a fully restored Morris-Commercial C9/B self-propelled Bofors 40 mm gun, one of the few remaining examples worldwide.
- Personal Stories: The “One Man’s War” exhibits narrate the military experiences of individual Manx men and women, offering personal insights into the island’s wartime contributions.
- Isle of Man Home Guard and RAF Stations: Exhibits delve into the history of the Isle of Man Home Guard and local RAF stations, such as RAF Jurby and RAF Andreas, highlighting their roles during wartime.
Key Milestones:
- Formation and Early Operations (1982): Manx Airlines commenced operations to improve connectivity for the Isle of Man, focusing on regional routes within the British Isles.
- Expansion (1990s): The airline expanded its fleet and route network, introducing aircraft such as the BAe 146 and BAe Jetstream models. In 1991, it launched Manx Airlines Europe to operate routes within the UK from a base at Cardiff Airport.
- Franchise Partnership (1995): Manx Airlines Europe became a franchise partner of British Airways, operating certain routes under the British Airways Express brand.
- Acquisition by British Airways (2001): British Airways purchased the British Regional Airlines Group, the parent company of Manx Airlines, for £78 million. Subsequently, Manx Airlines was integrated into British Airways CitiExpress.
Preserving the Isle of Man’s Military and Aviation Heritage.