Guy Ritchie confirms flying to continue at Compton Abbas

Movie director Guy Ritchie has confirmed flying will continue at Compton Abbas Airfield in north Dorset, following the purchase of the airfield.

In a letter to ‘the staff, residents, aviators and wider community of Compton Abbas Airfield and the surrounding area of Cranborne Chase AONB’, Mr Ritchie said:

“We are pleased to announce that Ashcombe Estates are purchasing Compton Abbas Airfield from the Hughes family. Compton Abbas Airfield is an important part of the local area and has been the heart of the flying community here for many years.

“We will keep running the Airfield in the spirit that has been curated by the Hughes family over their years of ownership. We will make some improvements to the buildings and infrastructure, this will be done in a sympathetic manner, with the current community of users included in the planning.

“We will continue to operate the Airfield for both resident and guest aircraft. Resident aircraft can continue to rent hangar space here. We will keep the café and bar running so that it will remain a regional destination for families.

“We want to maintain flying training, but we cannot manage the flying school ourselves. We would like to discuss with those currently involved in the school ways that we could enable flying training activities to continue. Resident organisations which run independently of CAA will be welcome and encouraged to continue to operate.

“We will move some of the storage and workshop activities which currently take place at Ashgrove Farm to the Airfield. This will not interfere significantly with current flying operations.

“There will be a carefully managed transition period with the Hughes family to ensure that nothing is rushed. As discussions develop, we will keep you up to date with plans and ensure there is opportunity for regular dialogue.”

Best regards
Guy Ritchie
On behalf of Ashcombe Estates LLP

Guy Ritchie’s latest movie is Operation Fortune, due for release soon.