There's no doubt about it, the Concorde was one of the world's most iconic aircraft. But, what happened to the supersonic masterpiece once it was retired from British Airways?
British Airways operated seven Concorde aircraft with registrations varying from G-BOAA to G-BOAG. Typically, when removed from service, aircraft are broken down for spare parts and to be recycled. However, there was no need for spare parts from a Concorde, and as such, they were scattered to museums around the world. Let's take a look at the fate of each, however, if you haven't got time to read the article, why not watch our video on the topic:
G-BOAA
The first aircraft in BA's Concorde fleet, G-BOAA was delivered on the 14th of January 1976. According to Club Concorde, the aircraft flew 8,064 flights racking up 17,824 flying hours. After being partially dismantled, the aircraft was transported by barge down the River Thames. It was then delivered to Edinburgh's Museum of Flight, where it has remained ever since.
G-BOAB
G-BOAB is arguably the most well-known Concorde, seen by thousands of passengers each day. The aircraft was placed into retirement at Heathrow Airport, where it continues to stand as a reminder of the important role Heathrow played in the Concorde program. The aircraft is still owned by British Airways and is maintained as part of the fleet's overall cleaning program.
G-BOAC
Technically the second aircraft to be delivered to British Airways, G-BOAC was flown 7,729 times. In this time it racked up over 22,200 flying hours. G-BOAC has a rather special registration as it matches British Airways' predecessor, the British Overseas Airways Corporation. The aircraft's final resting place is at Manchester Airport, one of BA's domestic destinations.
G-BOAD
G-BOAD is the Concorde with the highest flying time. The aircraft spent a total of 23,397 hours flying in the skies spread across 8406 flights. The aircraft was also the only Concorde to wear the Singapore Airlines livery. These days it can be found at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York. New York was the Concorde's main destination following displeasure at the noise generated by supersonic flight.
G-BOAE
G-BOAE is the Concorde currently located furthest south on the globe. Resting in Barbados, the aircraft is protected from the elements by a permanent hanger. However, according to Heritage Concorde, the aircraft is currently closed to the public.
G-BOAF
G-BOAF was the last Concorde to be delivered to British Airways. The aircraft was delivered on the 6th of September 1980, and according to Club Concorde flew 18,257 hours across 6,045 flights. The aircraft can today be found in the Aerospace Bristol museum located at Filton Airfield, the site of the first British Concorde flight.
G-BOAG
British Airways' final Concorde, G-BOAG is also the carrier's least utilized aircraft. In total it only flew 16,239 hours across 5,633 different flights. This gives an average flight time of just 2.9 hours. G-BOAG is the furthest west Concorde residing at the Seattle Museum of Flight.
Have you been lucky enough to visit any of these Concordes? Let us know in the comments!