Guy Ritchie unveils plans for newly bought Compton Abbas Airfield
He wrote a letter to staff, residents and aviators
Last updated 10th Oct 2022
Hollywood Film Director Guy Ritchie has unveiled his plans for the newly bought Compton Abbas Airfield.
Plans to buy the airfield in North Dorset were unveiled on Friday by Ashcombe Estates Ltd., owned and operated by Guy Ritchie.
The new owners will occupy the airfield as of 1st February 2023.
In a letter to staff, residents and aviators Mr Ritchie sough to reassure people about the future of the airfield.
“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.”
But Mr Ritchie added that the future of the flying school will depend on independent organisations to continue:
“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.”
Current owners, the Hughes Family said in a statement:
“Selling the airfield has been an incredibly difficult decision to make as it has been the
focus of all our lives for so long, and we are certainly going to miss everyone who made our
time there so enjoyable. However, we feel that now is the right time to hang up our hats,
and we are looking forward to seeing some exciting developments unfold under the new
owners.”