AN ICONIC aeroplane that has been left on land at Bournemouth Airport for many years could be restored to its former glory.

While the plans are not to bring the BAC 1-11 back into working order, residents may set up a trust group and turn the plane, which was built at the airfield, into a gate guard for Bournemouth Airport.

An initial meeting has been organised to take place this week. Discussions will take place on setting up a plan of action and an overall goal for the aircraft.

In its day the BAC 1-11 was at the forefront of jet airliners.

When the prototype left the assembly hall at Hurn in 1963, the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) had received a number of orders for the type.

By the mid-1960s after a difficult testing period, more than a dozen 1-11 aircraft had been built.

The plane proved so popular, a second production line was set up at Weybridge.

The type remained widely in service until the early 21st century when stricter noise regulations on aircrafts came into force, with the final operational 1-11 in the UK retiring after being used most recently as a military aircraft.

Local aviation historian Mike Phipp said the 1-11 was a significant part of Bournemouth Airport’s history.

He added that from his understanding the aircraft currently sitting on the airfield would require a significant amount of restoration.

“The 1-11 was one of the first jet airliners to go into mass service, with more than 100 seats,” he said.

“The one on the airfield was built in the hangers at the airport and their production secured a lot of jobs for people.

“The factory closed in 1982, but it kept people busy for more than 20 years and it is a well remembered part of local history for many local people.”

Mr Phipps said out of approximately 215 1-11 that were built, half a dozen are still in complete form.

He added that another Bournemouth-made 1-11 was taken to Newquay several years ago to go on display, but the facility closed and the aeroplane has been left there.

The aircraft tucked away at the back of Bournemouth Airport facing the site of where it was built was offered to Bournemouth Aviation Museum.

It is understood the plane is surplus to requirements by the new airport owners and the fire service.

A section of fuselage from a different 1-11 is on display at the museum, which is on the opposite side of Parley Lane from the airport.

Bournemouth-based Palmair chartered 1-11 aircraft for many years in the 1960s, with thousands of people travelling from Bournemouth Airport on the planes.