Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Air Passion Space, originally named the Regional Air Museum of Angers-Marcé, came into being in 1981 when pilot Christian Ravel rescued a 1300 North glider from destruction. Along with other enthusiasts, he founded the Aviation Heritage Preservation Group (APGP) to retain historic aircraft. A first local was offered by the city of Angers in 1983 in former slaughterhouses, where the association restored René Gasnier's plane, dated 1908, and constituted a collection thanks to donations (Breguet 904, Fouga, Piper L4H).

In 1988, the success of the collections prompted the city to set up the museum in a hangar at the Avrillé airfield. Ten years later, in 1998, the opening of the new Angers-Marcé airport allowed the construction of a dedicated museum, transferred to Angers Loire Métropole in 2001. The site professionalizes with events such as Anjou Ailes Rétro and in 2013 becomes the Espace Air Passion (EAP), the first private aviation museum in France, housing 150 aircraft, including 20 in flight condition.

The museum is distinguished by its restoration workshops open to the public, its exceptional documentary holdings (100,000 photographs, technical archives since 1868), and unique pieces such as the Gerin V-6E Varivol or the Moynet 360-6 Jupiter. Recognized by the Directorate-General for Civil Aviation, the EAP also trains engineers and organises thematic exhibitions, such as the one dedicated to Playmobil in 2015. Its commitment to the preservation of the French aviation heritage makes it a major player in the sector.

The EAP works with institutions such as the Air Force or the Musée de l'air et de l'espace du Bourget. His history is marked by figures such as Christian Ravel, founder, or François Blondeau, who succeeded him in 2006. The museum also exhibits classical gliders (Fauvel, Avia) and rare prototypes, while hosting internships for engineering students, strengthening its role in the transmission of aeronautical know-how.

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