Concorde set for take off again in Newcastle

A North East aviation experience centre has unveiled a Concorde simulator as part of an expansion near Newcastle International Airport.

The Flight Simulator Centre Newcastle, founded by former fighter jet pilot Neil McCarthy, has introduced a fully immersive Concorde experience nearly three years in the making. 

Built using original Concorde blueprints, the simulator has been engineered to replicate the aircraft with millimetre precision.

Featuring almost 300-degree wraparound visuals, global scenery databases and fully functioning systems including the droop nose, the simulator allows guests to fly at Mach 2, climb to 60,000 feet and witness the curvature of the Earth.

Neil said: “When you step inside, you’re walking into Concorde.

“From the two pilot seats and the full flight engineer’s panel to the jump seat famously used by the Queen Mother, everything is exactly where it should be.”

The centre has grown significantly over the past six years, replacing its original fleet with pilot-certified training simulators. 

What began with a single Spitfire simulator has evolved into an internationally recognised facility attracting visitors from across the UK and overseas from as far afield as Hong Kong, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Experiences include modern combat aircraft such as the F-16, F-35 and the F/A-18 Hornet, which featured in Top Gun: Maverick, as well as historic recreations including a Spitfire, with an Avro Lancaster simulator arriving soon.

Neil added: “Up until recently, we had a Boeing 737 and a single fighter jet.

“Now we’ve expanded significantly.

“Alongside the 737, we operate an Airbus A320, multiple fighter jets including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and the F-35 Lightning II – and these can be linked together for shared or competitive flight experiences.

“For those who really want the full experience, yes – you can fly London to New York in just over three hours.”

In addition to individual sessions, the venue offers corporate events, group bookings and structured fear of flying programmes.

Beyond entertainment, the centre is increasingly recognised for its educational value, helping participants build technical understanding, overcome anxiety and gain confidence in a realistic but controlled environment.

Neil added: “Our goal isn’t just entertainment.

“It’s education, confidence-building and inspiration.”

For bookings, corporate enquiries and full experience details, see here.

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