Scramble is on for Spitfire flight
14 August 2008
Lloyd’s aviation policyholders are in with the chance of the flight of a lifetime thanks to a competition organised by HSBC Insurance.
Over the summer, the broker’s aviation insurance practice has been offering its policyholders the chance to win a flight in the Grace Spitfire, one of the most iconic planes still flying today.
The aircraft, a Mark IX, is one of less than 60 Spitfires still flying today and saw active service during the last 12 months of World War II, flying 176 operational sorties, and marked its place in history by downing the first enemy aircraft on D-Day in 1944.
The HSBC link came when the firm agreed to donate the insurance for the aircraft to keep it flying. It was discovered by enthusiast and engineer Nick Grace in a Scottish Museum in 1979.
He spent much time restoring the aircraft and flew it for three more years before his death in 1988. His wife, Carolyn, was determined that the plane should still be flown and qualified as a pilot. As a result she is currently the only female Spitfire pilot in the world.
HSBC offered the chance to go into the draw to anyone who requested a quote, which then became a firm order prior to the end of this month. The big draw itself will take place in September, the winner of which will be given the opportunity to fly with Carolyn in the aircraft.
The broker’s Executive Director for the aviation practice, Simon Howell, who is also a vintage aircraft pilot, said; “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Being able to offer people from the aerospace market a flight in this historic machine is something money literally cannot buy.”
He added the firm were always looking at ways in which it could heighten the awareness of the business and as such the competition was proving to be a big success.
“The vast majority of our business is placed into the Lloyd’s market. We have been providing the insurance for the aircraft as part of our charity sponsorship efforts and given the huge interest in the aircraft across the market, the winner will be the envy of many, and we are determined to make sure they get a flight they will not forget,” he said.
Last updated on 14 Aug 2008
