The state of the worldwide movement to preserve and fly World War Two warbirds seems very healthy, with increasing numbers of beautifully-restored types appearing every year. In the UK, rides in two-seat Spitfires are selling like the proverbial hot cakes. Sadly, such interest from investors, operators and enthusiasts in WW2 aircraft does not extend in any comparable manner towards the operation and preservation of vintage ex-military jets. The economic challenge of flying these machines versus the potential income that can be achieved from airshows and other appearance fees is a deterrent to new owners and operators who may wish to be involved in this particular sector of the historic aircraft business. Some positive tax benefits are available by placing the ownership of such aircraft into a UK-registered charity with the express intent of preserving British aviation heritage and displaying it in public, but despite this the costs involved in keeping these types in the air are still significant, despite the recent reduction in jet fuel prices. As a consequence, the numbers of airworthy classic jets in this country are not growing in any meaningful way.
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