Penguin Michael Joseph lands story of Concorde by former chief pilot Bannister

Penguin Michael Joseph has signed a personal account of "the most distinctive, iconic and awe-inspiring flying machine in history”, Concorde, by former chief pilot Mike Bannister.

Concorde was acquired by publishing director Rowland White from Mark Lucas at the Soho Agency. It will be published on 29th September 2022. 

"With nearly a quarter of a century’s experience flying the world’s only successful supersonic airliner, there’s no one better qualified to tell its story," the publisher said. "Bannister has spent more time flying at supersonic speeds than anyone else in history, spending longer on the other side of the sound barrier than most of the world’s air forces put together.  When Concorde led the Red Arrows down the Mall for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, he was at the controls.  When it returned to the skies after the tragic crash that nearly ended her career, it was him in the pilot’s seat for the first flight.  When Concorde’s retirement was announced it was Bannister who masterminded the celebrations, flying the last ever scheduled flight in October 2003.

"When, after that terrible crash, the cause had to be established, he was a member of the British team that was part of the investigation. And when the French-led investigation led to unsafe criminal convictions, he was the expert witness whose evidence helped see them overturned, while at the same time as restoring the reputation of his beloved aeroplane."

Bannister said: “From the age of seven, being a pilot was my dream. When Concorde first flew that dream narrowed – I wanted to be a Concorde pilot. The fates were with me, and my dream came true. Flying the most beautiful aircraft in the world, at twice the speed of sound, just with your fingertips as you cover 23 miles every minute, was the ultimate aviation experience for me. Through the high times, and the low times of this sensational and unique flying machine, this book is a welcome opportunity for me to pay a deserving tribute to the truly remarkable aircraft that shaped my life – the life of that seven-year-old boy.

White said: “There’s never been another flying machine to touch Concorde. I’ve been captivated by her my entire life and so couldn’t be more thrilled to be publishing Mike’s wonderful book. Gripping, insightful and revelatory, it’s also a love story that leaps off the page. There’s simply nobody else in the world better able to bring to life the incredible story of an aeroplane that meant so much to so many people.”