Duxford based Golden Apple Operations Ltd has today suspended flying of their North American F-86A Sabre (48-178).
From a statement issued by Golden Apple Operations:
“Subject to completion of contract the aircraft will be returning to the United States in the very near future. We will be supporting the new owners and we wish them the very best of luck.”
North American F-86A Sabre (48-178) © Gareth Stringer www.globalaviationresource.com
The statement continues…
“We are extremely grateful to all who have supported us and for the enthusiastic following of many over the last 22 years. It has been an enormous challenge and an immense privilege to operate the world’s oldest jet powered aircraft, the only airworthy F-86A and the only Sabre flying in Europe. We have been fortunate to have had the backing of many committed individuals over the years and we are all saddened that our involvement in this particular chapter of 48-178’s history is now drawing to an end.”
Sad to see such an iconic and rare airframe leaving the UK, but let’s hope she prospers back in the United States.
A real loss for the UK warbird scene!