[Hanno Spoelstra]

News release by the BCAM:

NEWS RELEASE July 24, 2018

The Avro Lancaster is Moving to Victoria!


The British Columbia Aviation Museum is delighted to announce today that it is the successful bidder to receive an Avro Lancaster bomber from the City of Toronto.

“The Avro Lancaster is an iconic aircraft with a distinguished record in war, where it was a major contributor to the Strategic Bombing Offensive in World War II, and in peace, where it served for many years on both coasts in reconnaissance and search and rescue missions,” said John Lewis, President of the BC Aviation Museum.

Comox was the west coast base for Lancasters through the 1950s and 60s.

This Lancaster, FM104, which was built in Toronto in 1944, served for many years on the east coast up to its retirement from service in 1966. It was then displayed on a plinth on the Toronto lakeshore for more than thirty years. It was subsequently removed and has been partially restored, but has been disassembled and in storage away from public view for several years.

The Lancaster will be moved to the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich near Victoria International Airport over the next few months, and restoration will start immediately. The long-term goal of the museum is to restore the aircraft to flying condition in partnership with Victoria Air Maintenance, the internationally known firm of vintage aircraft restorers which is located near the museum.

“I am pleased that many local aircraft manufacturing specialists and vintage aircraft enthusiasts have pledged their time and knowledge to volunteer on this project,” Lewis said.

“Many people at the BC Aviation Museum and the Victoria aviation community have worked hard to make today’s announcement possible,” said Lewis. “We are now looking forward to the day when Lancaster FM104 goes on display at our museum.”


For more information, contact:

John Lewis, President BCAM

250-589-2602