Planespotting British Airways unveils first two centennial liveries
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British Airways has unveiled the first two special aircraft liveries, which commemorate the airline´s 100th anniversary.
A Boeing 747, registered G-BYGC, has arrived back at Heathrow after being painted into a BOAC livery in Dublin. The livery represents British Airways´ predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).
For the arrival, many plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts came to London Heathrow, to witness the landing of the repainted aircraft. Since then, the 747-436 has been flying the world in its special livery.
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: “The enormous interest we’ve had in this project demonstrates the attachment many people have to British Airways’ history. It’s something we are incredibly proud of, so in our centenary year, it’s a pleasure to be celebrating our past while also looking to the future. We look forward to many more exciting moments like this as our other aircraft with heritage designs enter service.”
In addition to the BOAC 747, British Airways has welcomed an Airbus A319 in a British European Airways (BEA) livery. The paint scheme is a tribute to airline BEA, which flew on domestic and European routes between 1959 and 1968. However, the replica livery has a grey upper wing, rather than the traditional red, to meet current wing paint reflectivity requirements.
Just like the arrival of the first heritage aircraft, this BEA A319 drew large crowds of plane spotters to the airports of Shannon, where the plane was painted, and to Heathrow.
Cruz added: “It was another exceptional day as we welcomed our BEA liveried A319 into Heathrow this morning, which forms part of our centenary heritage fleet. Again huge crowds were lining the perimeter fence to see the aircraft coming in, which shows just how excited people are about these designs. We’ve been overwhelmed with positive feedback from customers and colleagues.”
In March, British Airways has also announced the third heritage livery. A Boeing 747-400 will receive the ideal Landor design. Later this month, the aircraft will return from the paint shop at Dublin.
Source © mediacentre.britishairways.com