The UK's leading legacy carrier, British Airways, has confirmed it will be axing its Boeing 747 fleet from immediate effect.
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A British Airways 747 takes off Photo Credit Nick MorrishBritish Airways |
BA is one of the largest passenger operators of the type in the world, having over 30 aircraft in its fleet, however, the downturn in business following the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis means the airline no longer needs the jumbo plane on its services.
"It is with great sadness that we can confirm we are proposing to retire our entire 747 fleet with immediate effect," a spokesperson for the airline told the media on Friday morning, adding; "It is unlikely our magnificent 'queen of the skies' will ever operate commercial services for British Airways again due to the downturn in travel caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic,"
The carrier already had plans to retire these 'Queen of the Skies' over the next four or so years, but the financial constraints on the company plus its self-induced antagonistic relations with staff have seen its forecast passenger numbers to remain low for the next four years at least. Mean these graceful big lumps have now flown their last regular scheduled flights for the airline.
British Airways and its forebears have had a long history with the 747's through the decades and with its various models, "Our first 747 was received in 1971 when we were known as BOAC. However, the current model being retired is the 747-400, which is the aircraft we first received in 1989." the BA spokesperson told us. Indeed over the years, the four-engined beast had been a mainstay of the carriers long-haul fleet, which at its peak, numbered 57 747 flying in BA colours.