Guy Ritchie buys airfield next to his Wiltshire country estate
First a brewery, now an airfield!
Last updated 11th Oct 2022
Film director Guy Ritchie has bought Compton Abbas Airfield close to his country estate in Wiltshire and brewery.
His company, Ashcombe Estates Ltd, will officially take over the ownership and operation of the site from the Hughes family in February 2023.
The family have run the airfield for the last 34 years.
A statement on their website said;
"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."
What are Guy Ritchie's plans for Compton Abbas Airfield?
The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels writer has pledged to keep the airfield open.
In a letter to airfield users, staff and residents he said;
"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."
Resident aircraft will still be able to rent hangar space and the café and bar will remain open.
Some of the storage and workshop activities at Ashgrove Farm where Gritchie Brewery is based will be moved to the site.
Mr Ritchie also wants to look at ways for the flying school to continue too;
"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."