A group of Concorde enthusiasts says it has secured funding to give the iconic supersonic passenger jet a new lease of life. The group, known as Club Concorde has set a tentative date of 2019 for the first flight — 50 years after the maiden journey on 9 April 1969, when the first UK-built Concorde flew from Filton to RAF Fairford; and although BA and Air France have no plans to recommence Concorde flights, the group hopes to independently return the supersonic aircraft to service.

Club Concorde has two aims: firstly, a £40 million project to place one of the aircraft on a purpose-built platform positioned by the London Eye and above the Thames in 2017; and secondly, a much more ambitious plan to return Concorde to the air as part of a ‘Return to Flight’ project.

However, getting the supersonic aeroplane airborne again would be complex. The club has access to an additional reserve fund worth £120 million and plans to use this revenue to purchase a Concorde currently on display at Le Bourget airport in Paris.

When restored and deemed safe to fly again, the plane would be used for fly-pasts at air shows and made available for corporate and special events, as well as for private charter.

Writing on the group’s Web site (www.clubconcorde.co.uk), club president Paul James said: “We are in the process of compiling a new business plan based solely on a ‘Return to Flight’ project. Since 26 November 2003, this has been the dream of the global Concorde fraternity.

“We toyed with the idea years ago but quickly realised that the only way sufficient finance would be forthcoming was by proving to potential investors that we, as a group, could create a less ambitious but commercially viable Concorde project.”

He added: “Now that money is no longer the problem it’s over to those who can help us make it happen, without financial risk to themselves. This is where the global Concorde fraternity must keep up the pressure, as time is running out.”