Vickers Vimy, Adelaide, SA

The Vickers Vimy is a WW1 era vintage aircraft of international historical significance in the timeline of aviation development, and of particular importance to South Australia.

The aircraft has been a long-standing exhibit at Adelaide Airport since the mid-20th century. Adelaide Airport Limited in collaboration with the History Trust of South Australia, the South Australian Aviation Museum and the South Australian Tourism Commission wanted to ensure that the aircraft was preserved as well as put on display for all to see.

With a terminal expansion project underway, it presented the ideal opportunity to relocate the exhibit, bringing it back into the mainstream experience of airport patrons. An upgrade was implemented to comprehensively revamp the accommodation and presentation of this significant artifact.

Of particular importance was the preservation of the exhibit for future generations. Our engineers worked closely with Artlab Australia to ensure environmental conditions including temperature and humidity were optimised and maintained, and that the exhibition lighting was sufficient to highlight the aircraft while not exposing it to damaging levels of UV and visible light.

NDY’s extensive experience in historic exhibition spaces (including the Australian War Memorial in Canberra) informed our delivery of a fully integrated and high-grade solution, with interactive audio visual elements and targeted exhibition lighting design that enriches and enhances the visitor experience.