The end of BA's 747s

[Eastlondoner62]

Not sure how many here are plane enthusiasts, but I imagine many others will relate with this too.

British Airways have announced the end of their 747s.

Dear colleague
With much regret, we are proposing, subject to consultation, the immediate retirement of our Queen of the Skies, the 747-400. We know there is speculation on social media and aviation websites, so we wanted to make our position clear.

The whole airline community is reconciling itself to a bleak outlook for passenger demand. Long haul travel will take years to recover, with the major industry bodies agreeing that we will not see a return to 2019 levels until 2023 at the soonest. The bulk of our fleet is large, wide-bodied, long haul aircraft with many premium seats, intended to carry high volumes of customers. The unofficial flagship of our fleet, the 747-400 has a very special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and of many of us. We know how many memories of this extra-special aircraft are shared across the BA family and our proposal to retire the fleet early has only been taken in response to the crisis we find ourselves in.

When many people think of BA today, they think of our Jumbos connecting Britain with the world, and the world with Britain. They are true icons. We love the Queen of the Skies and have operated them since 1971. We took our first 747-400 (technically the 747-436) registration G-BNLC in July 1989, and our newest was delivered to us in April 1999. There’s a great archive video about the aircraft here.

Most of our 747s are already due for retirement progressively by early 2024, and we recently refreshed the interiors of a number of them with the intention of a good few remaining years in service. They are an airliner of another era, however, and they burn far more fuel than the latest generation of planes and, logically, require more frequent and detailed attention from our engineering team. They rely on high passenger load factors and high premium demand to make them commercially viable. In short, we do not believe that these beautiful aircraft are sustainable in a very different airline industry. Subject to proper consultation, their early retirement would be accelerated over the coming months, and we would not expect any more commercial flights to be flown.

The proposal to retire the entire fleet of these iconic aircraft is nothing short of heart breaking for those of us that grew up watching them fly all over the world.

Your Management Committee

I'm sure many people who have flown out of Heathrow or with BA at any point will have flown on these beautiful birds, it is really sad to see them go as they were icons not just here but internationally. A British Airways 747 would always turn heads.

Have a nice rest Queen of the Skies

[george]

Jul 16, 2020 23:22:49 GMT Eastlondoner62 said:

Not sure how many here are plane enthusiasts, but I imagine many others will relate with this too.

British Airways have announced the end of their 747s.

Dear colleague
With much regret, we are proposing, subject to consultation, the immediate retirement of our Queen of the Skies, the 747-400. We know there is speculation on social media and aviation websites, so we wanted to make our position clear.

The whole airline community is reconciling itself to a bleak outlook for passenger demand. Long haul travel will take years to recover, with the major industry bodies agreeing that we will not see a return to 2019 levels until 2023 at the soonest. The bulk of our fleet is large, wide-bodied, long haul aircraft with many premium seats, intended to carry high volumes of customers. The unofficial flagship of our fleet, the 747-400 has a very special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and of many of us. We know how many memories of this extra-special aircraft are shared across the BA family and our proposal to retire the fleet early has only been taken in response to the crisis we find ourselves in.

When many people think of BA today, they think of our Jumbos connecting Britain with the world, and the world with Britain. They are true icons. We love the Queen of the Skies and have operated them since 1971. We took our first 747-400 (technically the 747-436) registration G-BNLC in July 1989, and our newest was delivered to us in April 1999. There’s a great archive video about the aircraft here.

Most of our 747s are already due for retirement progressively by early 2024, and we recently refreshed the interiors of a number of them with the intention of a good few remaining years in service. They are an airliner of another era, however, and they burn far more fuel than the latest generation of planes and, logically, require more frequent and detailed attention from our engineering team. They rely on high passenger load factors and high premium demand to make them commercially viable. In short, we do not believe that these beautiful aircraft are sustainable in a very different airline industry. Subject to proper consultation, their early retirement would be accelerated over the coming months, and we would not expect any more commercial flights to be flown.

The proposal to retire the entire fleet of these iconic aircraft is nothing short of heart breaking for those of us that grew up watching them fly all over the world.

Your Management Committee

I'm sure many people who have flown out of Heathrow or with BA at any point will have flown on these beautiful birds, it is really sad to see them go as they were icons not just here but internationally. A British Airways 747 would always turn heads.

Have a nice rest Queen of the Skies

I was just going to write a post about this until I saw your one and this news was announced just hours before Qantas fly their last ever 747 over the Australian Capital before it goes for scrapping on Monday.  It's such a shame that the corona crisis has brought an end to such a magnificent piece of engineering without a doubt it's the most iconic aircraft in the world, even if you are not an aviation enthusiast everyone knows what the jumbo looks like. This is a great documentary about the aircraft and how Boeing made a massive gamble with it www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ht1ogFUBLc&t=329s. The aircraft changed air travel for ever no doubt about it. In different ways Concorde and the 747 where and still are the greatest planes to ever be built. 

[george]

The final ever passenger flight on Qantas 747! This plane truly represented a new era of travel and it connected Australia with the world. Many people have strong memories of taking this plane over the years and for some it represented a new beginning moving to another country.

Qantas and the 747 1971-2020. Bye queen of the skies.

[YY13VKP]

Jul 16, 2020 23:22:49 GMT Eastlondoner62 said:

Not sure how many here are plane enthusiasts, but I imagine many others will relate with this too.

British Airways have announced the end of their 747s.

Dear colleague
With much regret, we are proposing, subject to consultation, the immediate retirement of our Queen of the Skies, the 747-400. We know there is speculation on social media and aviation websites, so we wanted to make our position clear.

The whole airline community is reconciling itself to a bleak outlook for passenger demand. Long haul travel will take years to recover, with the major industry bodies agreeing that we will not see a return to 2019 levels until 2023 at the soonest. The bulk of our fleet is large, wide-bodied, long haul aircraft with many premium seats, intended to carry high volumes of customers. The unofficial flagship of our fleet, the 747-400 has a very special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and of many of us. We know how many memories of this extra-special aircraft are shared across the BA family and our proposal to retire the fleet early has only been taken in response to the crisis we find ourselves in.

When many people think of BA today, they think of our Jumbos connecting Britain with the world, and the world with Britain. They are true icons. We love the Queen of the Skies and have operated them since 1971. We took our first 747-400 (technically the 747-436) registration G-BNLC in July 1989, and our newest was delivered to us in April 1999. There’s a great archive video about the aircraft here.

Most of our 747s are already due for retirement progressively by early 2024, and we recently refreshed the interiors of a number of them with the intention of a good few remaining years in service. They are an airliner of another era, however, and they burn far more fuel than the latest generation of planes and, logically, require more frequent and detailed attention from our engineering team. They rely on high passenger load factors and high premium demand to make them commercially viable. In short, we do not believe that these beautiful aircraft are sustainable in a very different airline industry. Subject to proper consultation, their early retirement would be accelerated over the coming months, and we would not expect any more commercial flights to be flown.

The proposal to retire the entire fleet of these iconic aircraft is nothing short of heart breaking for those of us that grew up watching them fly all over the world.

Your Management Committee

I'm sure many people who have flown out of Heathrow or with BA at any point will have flown on these beautiful birds, it is really sad to see them go as they were icons not just here but internationally. A British Airways 747 would always turn heads.

Have a nice rest Queen of the Skies

I was scheduled to fly on a BA 747 for my holiday to Kenya this summer which ultimately didn't go ahead and was very much looking forward to flying on it. It's really sad to see them go and it goes without saying that Heathrow will be a different place without them. 
Fortunately I did manage to fly one before, on a return flight from Mumbai to Heathrow in 2008, but onboard the 747's were well past their best. 

[george]

Jul 18, 2020 18:49:19 GMT YY13VKP said:

Jul 16, 2020 23:22:49 GMT Eastlondoner62 said:

Not sure how many here are plane enthusiasts, but I imagine many others will relate with this too.

British Airways have announced the end of their 747s.


I'm sure many people who have flown out of Heathrow or with BA at any point will have flown on these beautiful birds, it is really sad to see them go as they were icons not just here but internationally. A British Airways 747 would always turn heads.

Have a nice rest Queen of the Skies

I was scheduled to fly on a BA 747 for my holiday to Kenya this summer which ultimately didn't go ahead and was very much looking forward to flying on it. It's really sad to see them go and it goes without saying that Heathrow will be a different place without them. 
Fortunately I did manage to fly one before, on a return flight from Mumbai to Heathrow in 2008, but onboard the 747's were well past their best. 

Only went on one once but very pleased I did get a chance to fly on one. Korean Air will still use their 747-8 into Heathrow but of course this isn't the same as the 747-400 in the British Airways livery. 

[M1199]

Bit late on this one!

India Victor Delta made the one way trip to Castellon in Spain to be broken up for spares earlier!

A lot of my colleagues are quite sad to see them go and a lot of people I know at BA are too and would rather see them stay.

For me, the sight of a 744 on finals is up with with watching Concorde landing, if not better! Only had 2 flights onboard a 747, both BA: G-BNLL LHR>LAX & G-CIVL LAS>LHR, whilst they may of tired cabin's, they were some of the most comfortable flights I've had.

Whilst working inside the Airport, the first 747 I worked with was G-CIVA
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49826786671/in/dateposted-public/

And the last, now most likely to be G-CIVO - Unusually deboarding in T5A - right at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic!
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/50126886393/in/dateposted-public/

As for liveries, the Landor wins hands down in my opinion. Ironically, G-BNLY was scheduled to be the last BA 744 in service.
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49698433063/in/dateposted-public/

Personally I'd rather of seen the A380's depart early, with the 744's hanging on until 2024, as at the rate other Airlines are ditching their 380 I can't see them hanging on after 2024 either!

[Eastlondoner62]

Aug 18, 2020 21:40:27 GMT M1199 said:

Bit late on this one!

India Victor Delta made the one way trip to Castellon in Spain to be broken up for spares earlier!

A lot of my colleagues are quite sad to see them go and a lot of people I know at BA are too and would rather see them stay.

For me, the sight of a 744 on finals is up with with watching Concorde landing, if not better! Only had 2 flights onboard a 747, both BA: G-BNLL LHR>LAX & G-CIVL LAS>LHR, whilst they may of tired cabin's, they were some of the most comfortable flights I've had.

Whilst working inside the Airport, the first 747 I worked with was G-CIVA
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49826786671/in/dateposted-public/

And the last, now most likely to be G-CIVO - Unusually deboarding in T5A - right at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic!
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/50126886393/in/dateposted-public/

As for liveries, the Landor wins hands down in my opinion. Ironically, G-BNLY was scheduled to be the last BA 744 in service.
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49698433063/in/dateposted-public/

Personally I'd rather of seen the A380's depart early, with the 744's hanging on until 2024, as at the rate other Airlines are ditching their 380 I can't see them hanging on after 2024 either!

I was likening the 747 to Concorde myself, it's a huge shame they're not getting a proper send off but I imagine every penny counts now.

I would be surprised to see the A380s stay much longer than 2024 by this point, there has to be very few destinations to support such a crowd. 

[george]

Aug 18, 2020 21:40:27 GMT M1199 said:

Bit late on this one!

India Victor Delta made the one way trip to Castellon in Spain to be broken up for spares earlier!

A lot of my colleagues are quite sad to see them go and a lot of people I know at BA are too and would rather see them stay.

For me, the sight of a 744 on finals is up with with watching Concorde landing, if not better! Only had 2 flights onboard a 747, both BA: G-BNLL LHR>LAX & G-CIVL LAS>LHR, whilst they may of tired cabin's, they were some of the most comfortable flights I've had.

Whilst working inside the Airport, the first 747 I worked with was G-CIVA
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49826786671/in/dateposted-public/

And the last, now most likely to be G-CIVO - Unusually deboarding in T5A - right at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic!
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/50126886393/in/dateposted-public/

As for liveries, the Landor wins hands down in my opinion. Ironically, G-BNLY was scheduled to be the last BA 744 in service.
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49698433063/in/dateposted-public/

Personally I'd rather of seen the A380's depart early, with the 744's hanging on until 2024, as at the rate other Airlines are ditching their 380 I can't see them hanging on after 2024 either!

I certainly can understand why people feel the 747 holds a greater significance than Concorde. While concorde no doubt was an amazing piece of engineering it can't be compared to a plane that literally transformed Air Travel travel.  

As for the A380 it feels such a shame that this aircraft never really worked out as for comfort it's probably one of the best out there.  While covid has obviously not helped matters I don't think it can be blamed for the downfall of the A380 (not saying you did).  Maybe if the A380 entered service when the 747 we would be talking about both in the same light but unfortunately it came to late.  It's to expensive to operate and when it does it only makes money when full. Another reason it failed was better etops ratings which meant twin engine jets could fly further than ever both which in turn meant more airlines could start using the point to point model to further destinations. On the brighter side at least BA are keeping theirs for now I believe they return in October on the Hong Kong route.

[M1199]

Aug 18, 2020 23:39:52 GMT george said:

Aug 18, 2020 21:40:27 GMT M1199 said:

I certainly can understand why people feel the 747 holds a greater significance than Concorde. While concorde no doubt was an amazing piece of engineering it can't be compared to a plane that literally transformed Air Travel travel.  

As for the A380 it feels such a shame that this aircraft never really worked out as for comfort it's probably one of the best out there.  While covid has obviously not helped matters I don't think it can be blamed for the downfall of the A380 (not saying you did).  Maybe if the A380 entered service when the 747 we would be talking about both in the same light but unfortunately it came to late.  It's to expensive to operate and when it does it only makes money when full. Another reason it failed was better etops ratings which meant twin engine jets could fly further than ever both which in turn meant more airlines could start using the point to point model to further destinations. On the brighter side at least BA are keeping theirs for now I believe they return in October on the Hong Kong route.

Can't argue with you there in terms of comfort on the A380, it may look like a lumbering whale, but the comfort on the 3 that I've had between here and Dubai were second to none and that was flying cattle class! If only it'd came along 20 years earlier...

With Boeing's ongoing development of the 777, I'm surprised they kept 747 & 777 available for customers in PAX config for as long as they did, I know BA's 777-300's have roughly the same legs but seat marginally less. (Can't remember by how many now, but there's not a lot in it)

With Etops, at least 2 of the big 3 American Airlines still fly there aging 757's across the pond (757 is my favourite Airplane. The shorthaul plane with Longhaul capabilities) When I worked on a contract with United Airlines a few years ago, if there was a strong headwind heading back across the pond, they would quite often have to divert to Goose Bay for a quick splash & dash fuel stop, as they didn't quite have the legs to make it!
I believe that even the 737MAX (if it ever flies again!) will have the legs to get across the pond in one go, now that's something I would not want to try!

Do think Boeing were rather quick to pull the plug on the 757, I know there was the down turn in air travel after 9/11. If they'd of stuck new engines and a redesigned wing on it, they'd of had orders out of their ears for it!

[M1104]

To me the 747s are the Routemasters of the sky and although I've not been on one for a very long time i shall miss them all the same. I shall especially miss the British Airways branded ones as that was my first ever airline as a passenger.

Do the engines still roar as loud during take-off? (Oh the joys of hearing all that power)

[Eastlondoner62]

Aug 19, 2020 7:49:42 GMT M1199 said:

Aug 18, 2020 23:39:52 GMT george said:

I certainly can understand why people feel the 747 holds a greater significance than Concorde. While concorde no doubt was an amazing piece of engineering it can't be compared to a plane that literally transformed Air Travel travel.  

As for the A380 it feels such a shame that this aircraft never really worked out as for comfort it's probably one of the best out there.  While covid has obviously not helped matters I don't think it can be blamed for the downfall of the A380 (not saying you did).  Maybe if the A380 entered service when the 747 we would be talking about both in the same light but unfortunately it came to late.  It's to expensive to operate and when it does it only makes money when full. Another reason it failed was better etops ratings which meant twin engine jets could fly further than ever both which in turn meant more airlines could start using the point to point model to further destinations. On the brighter side at least BA are keeping theirs for now I believe they return in October on the Hong Kong route.

Can't argue with you there in terms of comfort on the A380, it may look like a lumbering whale, but the comfort on the 3 that I've had between here and Dubai were second to none and that was flying cattle class! If only it'd came along 20 years earlier...

With Boeing's ongoing development of the 777, I'm surprised they kept 747 & 777 available for customers in PAX config for as long as they did, I know BA's 777-300's have roughly the same legs but seat marginally less. (Can't remember by how many now, but there's not a lot in it)

With Etops, at least 2 of the big 3 American Airlines still fly there aging 757's across the pond (757 is my favourite Airplane. The shorthaul plane with Longhaul capabilities) When I worked on a contract with United Airlines a few years ago, if there was a strong headwind heading back across the pond, they would quite often have to divert to Goose Bay for a quick splash & dash fuel stop, as they didn't quite have the legs to make it!
I believe that even the 737MAX (if it ever flies again!) will have the legs to get across the pond in one go, now that's something I would not want to try!

Do think Boeing were rather quick to pull the plug on the 757, I know there was the down turn in air travel after 9/11. If they'd of stuck new engines and a redesigned wing on it, they'd of had orders out of their ears for it!

I think Boeing didn't see the ETOPS ratings for the 757 coming as far back as they could have, I'm sure if they did they'd have continued producing it for a while longer if they did and it would have received a lot more orders. I know Boeing was developing a kind of wide bodied replacement (2-3-2) however I believe that's just started from scratch and now during this time it's not the time to be pumping all resources into developing. new plane. 

The A380 is my favourite aircraft to fly on, I consistently always get a comfortable ride. I often am lumped on a 777 afterwards or a few days afterwards and with EK at least there's a huge variety on the estate of their 777s and you can get a right awful one if you have some terrible luck on your side. 

Aug 19, 2020 8:36:58 GMT M1104 said:

To me the 747s are the Routemasters of the sky and although I've not been on one for a very long time i shall miss them all the same. I shall especially miss the British Airways branded ones as that was my first ever airline as a passenger.

Do the engines still roar as loud during take-off? (Oh the joys of hearing all that power)

Despite the 747 not being the first plane I flew, that was a 777, I still did manage to get a round trip on British Airways' 747s a good 16 years ago and still remember it vividly. At the time my brother was only a little toddler and didn't take particularly well to the extremely loud engines, nor did the toddler that was seated immediately behind us. Was not the most ideal journey for someone who doesn't like crying babies but the engines were very loud over them. 

I've not flown a 747 since, with all my journeys afterwards leaving Heathrow only ever being on Airbus aircraft however if you do fly out of Heathrow you were always guaranteed to see a 747 thundering past while in the ridiculous queue to get to the runway. A sight I'll never forget and a sound that I'll never forget. Modern planes still do get really loud but tend to be a much higher pitched squeal from the passengers side and aren't that easy to hear on the ground once they get to cruising altitude. With the 747 it was a really powerful thundering sound and you could still hear them at cruise altitude from the ground. 

[george]

Aug 18, 2020 22:29:48 GMT Eastlondoner62 said:

Aug 18, 2020 21:40:27 GMT M1199 said:

Bit late on this one!

India Victor Delta made the one way trip to Castellon in Spain to be broken up for spares earlier!

A lot of my colleagues are quite sad to see them go and a lot of people I know at BA are too and would rather see them stay.

For me, the sight of a 744 on finals is up with with watching Concorde landing, if not better! Only had 2 flights onboard a 747, both BA: G-BNLL LHR>LAX & G-CIVL LAS>LHR, whilst they may of tired cabin's, they were some of the most comfortable flights I've had.

Whilst working inside the Airport, the first 747 I worked with was G-CIVA
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49826786671/in/dateposted-public/

And the last, now most likely to be G-CIVO - Unusually deboarding in T5A - right at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic!
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/50126886393/in/dateposted-public/

As for liveries, the Landor wins hands down in my opinion. Ironically, G-BNLY was scheduled to be the last BA 744 in service.
www.flickr.com/photos/62959794@N06/49698433063/in/dateposted-public/

Personally I'd rather of seen the A380's depart early, with the 744's hanging on until 2024, as at the rate other Airlines are ditching their 380 I can't see them hanging on after 2024 either!

I was likening the 747 to Concorde myself, it's a huge shame they're not getting a proper send off but I imagine every penny counts now.

I would be surprised to see the A380s stay much longer than 2024 by this point, there has to be very few destinations to support such a crowd. 

I do understand why British Airways couldn't give the 747 the send off it deserved but I think it was great that RAF Luton was able to pay tribute to it earlier today. Amazing how they drew the 747 in the sky like that. Must have been planned for ages  👍😁

[LJ17THF]

Aug 19, 2020 12:01:34 GMT Eastlondoner62 said:

Aug 19, 2020 7:49:42 GMT M1199 said:

Can't argue with you there in terms of comfort on the A380, it may look like a lumbering whale, but the comfort on the 3 that I've had between here and Dubai were second to none and that was flying cattle class! If only it'd came along 20 years earlier...

The A380 is my favourite aircraft to fly on, I consistently always get a comfortable ride. I often am lumped on a 777 afterwards or a few days afterwards and with EK at least there's a huge variety on the estate of their 777s and you can get a right awful one if you have some terrible luck on your side.

To me, with any operator, the A380's are the best, but my favourite specification has to be with Emirates, and I've only flown economy! Large screens, soft seats, I can only imagine how business class/first class must be!

I've never flown on BA's 747's but I have on Lufthansa's, and they are really nice too - the seats aren't as soft as the A380, but they're still good and the screens were rather useful, I presume BA's are similar.

[M1199]

G-CIVH makes her final trip into retirement tomorrow! Looks all lonely parked up on 558 for one final time! Would go onboard and take some pics but I’m not trained on opening doors on the 747!

flic.kr/p/2jBEkSp

[Eastlondoner62]

Aug 30, 2020 20:08:54 GMT M1199 said:

G-CIVH makes her final trip into retirement tomorrow! Looks all lonely parked up on 558 for one final time! Would go onboard and take some pics but I’m not trained on opening doors on the 747!

flic.kr/p/2jBEkSp

Do you happen to know how many are left at LHR? Would like to get a picture of the last one leaving if all works out.