Goodbye Concorde

Thursday, 24 Oct, 2003 0

Today is Concorde’s last day in service with the supersonic icon carrying passengers for the final time this afternoon.

The British Airways flagship will make its final commercial landing at London Heathrow at around 4pm.

Thousands of spectators are expected to arrive at Heathrow this afternoon to watch three Concordes land at the airport in quick succession. They will be arriving from New York and Edinburgh while a third will fly over the Atlantic Ocean before joining the other two aircraft. Travellers are being warned to leave extra time for their journey to Heathrow.

British Airways chairman Lord Marshall will host guests on the final flight from New York. Concorde will take off from John F Kennedy airport at 7.05am (US time), arriving at 12.05pm (UK time). One hundred VIPs will be on board the three and a half hour flight.

Defending the decision to retire the aircraft, Lord Marshall 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.”

Air France ended commercial service of its Concorde aircraft in May. Demand for Concorde waned after the Paris crash in July 2000 which killed 113 people.

BA is due to announce next week where its fleet of seven Concordes will be located after retirement.

Have you ever travelled on Concorde. What was it like? Do you think the decision to retire the aircraft was the right one? Add a comment to this article.

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