Lancaster Bomber KB 882 Restoration Project on the Move

Since first arriving at CFB Trenton in 2017, the aircraft has been undergoing restoration in the National Air Force Museum of Canada’s Restoration Workshop. Once it arrives at Base31, the Volunteer Restoration Team will continue work in Hangar 1 at Base31, where KB 882 can be fully assembled indoors and restoration can continue. 

Lancaster KB 882 will be the first installation in a new museum to be situated at Base31, which will open in 2025. Recognizing the location’s historical importance as a Second World War air training base, and through collaboration with community partners such as the National Air Force Museum, Base31 has committed to celebrate the site’s heritage and the role that it has played within the local community, the nation and globally through the creation of the museum. Installing a variety of exhibits, the museum will document, preserve and maintain both aviation and military artefacts and stories that will encourage the education and entertainment of those interested in exploring the history of Base 31, its land uses and its military involvement.

To coincide with the RCAF’s Centennial celebrations, the NAFMC will unveil Lancaster KB 882 to the public over the course of a few days in June 2024 at Base31. Restoration efforts will focus on assembling the aircraft, completing exterior finishes, and continuing interior restoration. After the Centennial celebrations, Base31 will host the plane for four to five years in the covered, safe environment of the Base31 museum that allows for continued restoration efforts until it returns to its permanent home at the NAFMC.