24/10/2003
Final Concorde touchdowns watched by thousands
The last transatlantic Concorde flight, which touched down at Heathrow this afternoon, has brought to a close 27 years of supersonic flights for passengers.
The 100 celebrities on board flight BA002, including supermodels, politicians, and top business figures, were treated to the "ultimate travel experience" during the three-and-a-half hour flight across the Atlantic.
The flagship of British Airways touched down for the last time in her illustrious career shortly after 4pm on Friday afternoon. Police had warned sightseers to avoid the area as thousands are expected to turn up to see the landings at first hand. BA had set up a special 1,000-seater grandstand for the occasion.
British Airways organised the flight schedules so that three of the iconic aircraft landed in quick succession at Heathrow this afternoon.
The Concordes arrived from New York, Edinburgh and a third completed a supersonic loop out over the Atlantic Ocean before joining the other two aircraft in the celebrations.
British Airways Chairman Lord Marshall, who played host to the guests on the final flight from New York, said: “Concorde is a wonderful aircraft and her last day is one of mixed emotions. Everyone has enormous pride in all that she has achieved but there is inevitable sadness that we have to move on and say farewell.
“Concorde’s magic has attracted millions of loyal fans who enjoy her unique blend of speed, grace and beauty. The decision to retire Concorde was a tough one, but it is the right thing to do at the right time. Concorde will always be part of British Airways and will always hold a special place in the hearts of our staff and customers around the world.”
The supersonic airliner, built in the 1960s, was retired as it is no longer profitable. That is despite the premium rate fares paid by passengers to secure a seat on the only flight that could arrive in New York at the same local time at which it left London.
BA are expected to announce next week where the fleet of seven Concordes in the fleet will be located after retirement.
(SP)
The 100 celebrities on board flight BA002, including supermodels, politicians, and top business figures, were treated to the "ultimate travel experience" during the three-and-a-half hour flight across the Atlantic.
The flagship of British Airways touched down for the last time in her illustrious career shortly after 4pm on Friday afternoon. Police had warned sightseers to avoid the area as thousands are expected to turn up to see the landings at first hand. BA had set up a special 1,000-seater grandstand for the occasion.
British Airways organised the flight schedules so that three of the iconic aircraft landed in quick succession at Heathrow this afternoon.
The Concordes arrived from New York, Edinburgh and a third completed a supersonic loop out over the Atlantic Ocean before joining the other two aircraft in the celebrations.
British Airways Chairman Lord Marshall, who played host to the guests on the final flight from New York, said: “Concorde is a wonderful aircraft and her last day is one of mixed emotions. Everyone has enormous pride in all that she has achieved but there is inevitable sadness that we have to move on and say farewell.
“Concorde’s magic has attracted millions of loyal fans who enjoy her unique blend of speed, grace and beauty. The decision to retire Concorde was a tough one, but it is the right thing to do at the right time. Concorde will always be part of British Airways and will always hold a special place in the hearts of our staff and customers around the world.”
The supersonic airliner, built in the 1960s, was retired as it is no longer profitable. That is despite the premium rate fares paid by passengers to secure a seat on the only flight that could arrive in New York at the same local time at which it left London.
BA are expected to announce next week where the fleet of seven Concordes in the fleet will be located after retirement.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 September 2003
Stranded Concorde cleared to leave Cardiff Airport
Following emergency repair work, a British Airways Concorde jet that was forced to land at Cardiff International Airport yesterday has been cleared for flight today. Engine problems, which developed after the supersonic jet left New York’s JFK airport yesterday afternoon, saw the aircraft diverted to Cardiff as a “precaution”.
Stranded Concorde cleared to leave Cardiff Airport
Following emergency repair work, a British Airways Concorde jet that was forced to land at Cardiff International Airport yesterday has been cleared for flight today. Engine problems, which developed after the supersonic jet left New York’s JFK airport yesterday afternoon, saw the aircraft diverted to Cardiff as a “precaution”.
19 March 2010
BA Crew Will Strike
Eleventh hour talks have failed to avert strike action by British Airways flight attendants. Unite cabin crew members will, from midnight, start seven days of industry action, it was confirmed this afternoon Staff are in dispute with the airline over working conditions and cut backs. The picket will run for three days from Saturday.
BA Crew Will Strike
Eleventh hour talks have failed to avert strike action by British Airways flight attendants. Unite cabin crew members will, from midnight, start seven days of industry action, it was confirmed this afternoon Staff are in dispute with the airline over working conditions and cut backs. The picket will run for three days from Saturday.
19 June 2015
Investigation To See If Body Find Is Aeroplane Stowaway
The body of a man found on the roof of a building in Richmond is believed to have fallen from a plane. According to reports, police are investigating to see if the body, found in Kew Road at about 09:35 on Thursday, is connected with the discovery of a stowaway in the undercarriage of a plane at Heathrow Airport.
Investigation To See If Body Find Is Aeroplane Stowaway
The body of a man found on the roof of a building in Richmond is believed to have fallen from a plane. According to reports, police are investigating to see if the body, found in Kew Road at about 09:35 on Thursday, is connected with the discovery of a stowaway in the undercarriage of a plane at Heathrow Airport.
13 March 2008
Woman Charged Over 'Kids With Drugs'
A Mexican woman has been charged with drug smuggling after customs officers at Heathrow allegedly found 15 kilos of cocaine strapped to the legs of two children. Elisa Vazquez Sanchez, 40, was arrested following the discovery of the drugs during a search at Terminal 4 at the airport on Tuesday.
Woman Charged Over 'Kids With Drugs'
A Mexican woman has been charged with drug smuggling after customs officers at Heathrow allegedly found 15 kilos of cocaine strapped to the legs of two children. Elisa Vazquez Sanchez, 40, was arrested following the discovery of the drugs during a search at Terminal 4 at the airport on Tuesday.
09 April 2009
Concorde's 40th Anniversary Celebrated
Celebrations are underway to mark the 40th anniversary of the first test flight by Concorde. The first UK-built Concorde 002 took off from Filton in Bristol for the first time on 9 April, 1969, piloted by Brian Trubshaw. The aircraft finally went into service in 1976.
Concorde's 40th Anniversary Celebrated
Celebrations are underway to mark the 40th anniversary of the first test flight by Concorde. The first UK-built Concorde 002 took off from Filton in Bristol for the first time on 9 April, 1969, piloted by Brian Trubshaw. The aircraft finally went into service in 1976.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.