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)