The owner and chief pilot of the last remaining De Havilland Dove aircraft still airborne in Europe for public transport purposes, is celebrating another season of historic flying. Mayfair Dove Aviation – a company which flies the nostalgic aircraft for corporate charter and pleasure trips from both Biggin Hill and Bournemouth airports – celebrated its eighth year of successful business in true champagne style.

The six-passenger aircraft, purchased by British Airways senior training captain Bill Pritchard in 1992, is a frequent flyer throughout northern Europe, including regular trips to Ireland, Le Touquet and Deauville, France. Manufactured in Hatfield, Hertfordshire at the end of WWII as a DH104 Devon C2, the monoplane has flown in excess of 500 passengers since Mayfair Dove purchased it. The aircraft flies at an altitude of around 10,000 ft and takes corporate guests for golfing, lunch or other pleasure activities in France.

Celebrities such as former UK Prime Minister John Major have been passengers in the De Havilland; with the late King Hussein of Jordan having piloted the aircraft once.

After a long career in the RAF as a vip transporter, the aircraft was reconfigured to the civilian role about ten years ago. At that time, it underwent a major refit which cost nearly £400,000 including a entirely new interior.

During the winter the De Havilland Dove remains hangared at Bournemouth airport, remaining available for flights although its busiest period starts again in May.

Bill Pritchard, chief pilot and owner of the aircraft commented: “Now that we have achieved the 500 passenger milestone, I am confident the aircraft is good for many more years to come.”