The Vickers Vimy Exhibition at Adelaide Airport provides a permanent home for one of Australia’s most significant aviation artefacts. Delivered as part of the Adelaide Airport Terminal Expansion, the project involved relocating and installing the historic 1919 Vickers Vimy aircraft into a purpose-built exhibition space designed to celebrate its pioneering journey from England to Australia.

One of the project's greatest challenges was safely relocating the fragile 100-year-old aircraft into the completed terminal. This required the removal and reinstatement of a 6m x 6m section of the blast-resistant façade, with only 20mm clearance on either side of the aircraft's wings during installation. The move was completed during night-time road closures and supported by engineered hoardings to protect the aircraft and maintain environmental controls while the façade was rebuilt.

Throughout construction, strict light, temperature, humidity and dust management measures were implemented to preserve the aircraft, while specialist museum-grade finishes, bespoke mirrored ceiling features, interactive displays and integrated audio-visual systems were carefully coordinated around the exhibit.

Key Challenges

• Relocating and installing a fragile 100-year-old aircraft within a live airport environment

• Removal and reinstatement of a 6m x 6m section of blast-resistant façade to allow aircraft access

• Maintaining strict light, humidity, temperature and dust controls throughout construction

• Delivery of museum-grade finishes, specialist lighting and integrated audio-visual systems

• Complex coordination of custom joinery, glazed balustrades and exhibition elements around the aircraft

• Protecting completed finishes and exhibition features during staged installation works

Outcome

A landmark exhibition space that successfully preserves and showcases an irreplaceable piece of Australian aviation history. Through detailed planning, specialist logistics and close stakeholder collaboration, the Vickers Vimy was safely relocated and installed within its new home, creating a unique visitor experience and cultural destination within Adelaide Airport.