British Airways G-CIVD 747-400 Departing Heathrow Airport for the Last time.
16British Airways has retired its first Boeing 747 since announcing last month that all 31 of its jumbo jets had sadly flown their last commercial services.
The Boeing 747-400, registration G-CIVD, departed from London Heathrow on Tuesday, 18 August at around 10.30am local time after more than 25 magnificent years of flying.
The 747 has been an iconic part of British Airways’ fleet for nearly fifty years. At one point the airline operated 57 of the aircraft, with the jumbo jet’s first flight to New York in 1971.
The fuel-hungry aircraft are slowly being phased out by British Airways as they reach the end of their working life in order to help meet our 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.
Aircraft G-CIVY & G-CIVB, two last British Airways Boeing 747-400 aircraft took off from Heathrow Airport, on 8th October 2020.
On rainy & windy Heathrow - perhaps a fitting ending marking the final 2 British Airways 747s to leave Heathrow Airport. What a contrast to the bright sunny day in July 1989 when the first 2 747-400s were delivered brand new to BA; G-BNLA and BNLC.
The last 2 747s to leave; G-CIVY as flight BA 747 (bound for St Athan Wales, almost certainly for scrap) and G-CIVB as flight BA 400; heading for Kemble Cotswolds (hopefully) for preservation.
G-CIVY flew a circuit around the Airport and came back for a missed approach (flypast), which was quite a poignant sight.
Video courtesy of British Airways
When British Airways 747 use to to visit Sydney Airport;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aZYZ0QSWsU&t=2m08s
at 2:08
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