2025: A Landmark Year for Parnall Aircraft Company marked by growth, collaboration, and continued commitment to both heritage and innovation.
We’re delighted to welcome Tim Cawood (right), who joins us from GE Aerospace to strengthen out civil aviation capabilities, previously lead by our Chief Engineer David Oakley (left).
Time brings extensive experience in cockpit management systems from both civil aviation and US military. Now based in Trelonk with his family, he’s already helping advance our work, including introducing CA-style quality control systems that keep our key customer, STS in Newquay., confident with our output. He has also lead the development of new specialist tools, opening doors to further production opportunities.
Today, at Parnall Aircraft is key to STS’s supply chain, supporting the refurbishment of Boeing and Airbus door surrounds. These rely on traditional aluminium panel fabrication – a rare skill dating back to the 1960s -expertly maintained by David Oakley and his team.
- Work on a spitfire restoration
- Work Experiance
- The Colosseum
From Park Row to Progress
BL709, our SIGGRAPH 5 Spitfire, is nearly ready! Seven years in the making, the aircraft is entering the final wing and undercarriage assembly. Whether finished in camouflage or polished aluminium, its already a stunning sight.
Plans are in motion for public display, including potential exhibits with the National Spitfire Memorial and in Sloane Square, Chelsea, alongside the Chelsea flower show and Royce Heritage.
Beyond showcasing aviation heritage, BL709 inspires the next generation of engineers from age 16, offering hands-on experience in fabrication and career pathways.
BL709 isn’t just a plane – it’s a symbol of achievement, skill and the future of engineering.
From Heritage to Future: Empowering Young Engineers
We host aspiring engineers from age 16 upwards, offering hands-on fabrication experience and career guidance through the Spitfire project. Working with Cornish institutions, we aim to make the aircraft both an emblem of achievement and a springboard for young futures.
Recently, we partnered with TecGirls, a Cornish STEM charity, and have welcomed 11 young women for work experience in October, following their presentation at our Aston Martin Owners Club Event.
- TecGirls Cornwall
- The Colosseum
Precision, Partnership, and Progress: Our New CAA-Standard Workshop at Trelonk
We’ve opened a new dedicated space at Trelonk, built to Civil Aviation Authority Standards to enhance production quality and reassure our principal customer, STS. The workshop also balances space with our specialist fungus labs, giving fabrication teams room to thrive.
Looking ahead, we seek mentors, advocates, and skilled people – particularly those with fabrication experience, such as from the motor industry – to support our mission. We also welcome anyone keen to pursue a career in metalwork. Through our pupillage program, we aim to create opportunities, develop skills, and build stronger careers in Cornwall.