Doors to manual and cross check for the last time as British Airways says farewell to its final 747s Oct. 08, 2020. /Photo Credit: Nick Morrish/British Airway

By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

British Airways’ remaining two Boeing 747 aircraft based at London Heathrow taxied for take off for the last time today.   BA bid farewell to its final 747 aircraft as the airline is retiring  its entire fleet of 747 planes, fondly known as ‘The Queen of the Skies’, after nearly 50 years of service as the airline suffers a severe travel downturn amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  To commemorate the occasion the airline’s two aircraft took to the skies one after the other from runway 27R. Once in the air, G-CIVY circled back over the southerly runway in an emotional farewell to its home before heading to St Athan where the aircraft will be retired.

“Today was an emotional milestone in the retirement of our 747 fleet as it was our last chance to see the Queen of the Skies depart from our home at Heathrow airport. The 747s have played a huge role in our 100-year history, forming the backbone of our fleet for over 50 years. I know I speak for our customers and the many thousands of colleagues who have spent much of their careers alongside them when I say we will miss seeing them grace our skies.”

-Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO said.

British Airways Boeing 747’s at London Heathrow airport showing the new Chatham Dockyard tailfin design  / Credit:  NewsCast  www.newscast.co.uk

British Airways’ last Boeing 747 departs for final time

British Airways’ last Boeing 747 departs for final time

BA 747 Final Flight at London Heathrow Oct. 08, 2020.

 The 747 fleet is being replaced by quieter more fuel efficient aircraft as part of the airline’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This is not how we wanted or expected to have to say goodbye to our incredible fleet of 747 aircraft. It is a heart-breaking decision to have to make. So many people, including many thousands of our colleagues past and present, have spent countless hours on and with these wonderful planes – they have been at the centre of so many memories, including my very first long-haul flight. They will always hold a special place in our hearts at British Airways.

-Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO

Just a year ago, British Airways had re-painted four of its jumbo jets in heritage colours to mark the company’s centenary. The BOAC jet put in a guest appearance with the Red Arrows much to the delight of spectators at the Royal International Air Tattoo, and unfortunately the aircraft will shortly be heading towards its final resting place alongside 30 others, BA said.

BOAC 747 Taken: 18th February 2019  Picture by: Stuart Bailey

The fuel-hungry aircraft were slowly being phased out by British Airways as they reached the end of their working life in order to help meet the company’s commitment to net zero by 2050. The airline has invested heavily in new, modern long-haul aircraft including six A350s and 32 787s which are around 25 per cent more fuel-efficient than the 747. As part of the airline’s £6.5 billion injection into customer experience in recent years, existing aircraft have been refurbished and the brand new arrivals have come into the British Airways’ fleet complete with a luxurious business class Club Suite product, according to BA.