British Airways’ last two Heathrow-based Boeing 747 planes are making their final flights on Thursday.
The G-CIVB and G-CIVY 747 models took to the skies at 8.30am on Thursday.
The jumbo jets, one of which is painted in the BA heritage “Negus” livery, performed a rare synchronised dual take-off on parallel runways.
The final flights come after the retirement of the airline’s fleet of 747-400, which was brought forward due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the airline and aviation sector.
They are live-streamed on the airline’s Facebook page. Fans are encouraged to share any special memories or photos of British Airways’ 747s at 7.47am and 7.47pm using the hashtag #BA747farewell.
British Airways: 747 - In pictures
The planes were launched in 1969, and had a capacity of around 550 passengers - considerably larger than existing airliners.
They were known by British Airways as The Queen Of The Skies.
The airline once had the world’s largest fleet of the 747-400 model with 31 aircraft.
Alex Cruz, British Airways chairman and CEO, said on Wednesday: “Tomorrow will be a difficult day for everybody at British Airways as the aircraft leaves our home at Heathrow for the very last time.
“We will pay tribute to them for the incredible part they have played in our 100-year history and to the millions of customers and BA colleagues who have flown on board and taken care of them.
“We hope that Britain will join us in sharing their memories with us on social media at 7.47am and 7.47pm on Thursday using #BA747farewell.”
The 747 fleet will be replaced by quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft as part of the airline’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The airline expects the last 747s, which are currently positioned in Wales, to leave the fleet by the end of the year.
Additional reporting by PA media
