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Aviation history museum makes key appointment to deliver ambitious growth plan
Bristol’s dedicated aviation history museum has appointed its first ever chief operating officer.
Aerospace Bristol has appointed Lloyd Hughes for the role as the museum looks to deliver an ambitious ten-year growth strategy.
On the appointment Hughes said: “Aerospace Bristol is an extraordinary place – one that sits at the heart of a globally significant industry and tells stories about the wonders of flight to inspire people of all ages.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining at such a pivotal moment – there is enormous potential to grow both the commercial reach and resilience of the museum, and I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team here to unlock it.”
Aerospace Bristol, which charts and celebrates Bristol’s rich history in aviation, was opened in 2017 at the former Filton Airfield – photo: Milan Perera
Aerospace Bristol, which charts and celebrates Bristol’s rich history in aviation, was opened in 2017 at the former Filton Airfield.
The centrepiece of the museum is the last Concorde ever built at Filton, Concorde G-BOAF, which attracts some 100,000 visitors every year.
The newly created role reflects plans to double these visitor numbers and expand commercial operations at the site.
Hughes joins from PDSA, bringing extensive experience in retail and charity trading, including roles at English Heritage.
He is expected to oversee day-to-day operations at the Filton site, including visitor experience, finance and commercial activity.
Aerospace Bristol has appointed Lloyd Hughes for the role as the museum looks to deliver an ambitious ten-year growth strategy – photo: Strike
The appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening the museum’s long-term sustainability, with a focus on growing revenue across events, retail, hospitality and ticket sales.
The museum, located next to the Brabazon development, is expected to receive a boost from the opening of the new station on site in autumn and the completion of the new Aviva Arena in late 2028.
In summer 2025 Aerospace Bristol and Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust joined forces to assemble and curate a vast collection of Rolls-Royce engines used in Concorde and Vulcan under roof, which stands next to purpose built hanger that houses the last Concorde.
Chief executive Sally Cordwell described the move as a “landmark appointment”, signalling the organisation’s intent to become more commercially robust while continuing to invest in its collections and community.
She added: “Creating this COO role signals our intent – we are serious about being an organisation that is operationally excellent, commercially strong and well positioned to serve our visitors, our community and the story of flight for decades to come.”
Main photo: Strike
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