LONDON (UK) – A glitzy offer from the film industry has saved a British Airways jumbo jet from the scrap yard where dozens of other aircraft of its kind have ended up after the airlines retired its fleet of jumbos.
The airlines said that one of its 747s will be flown to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey later on Thursday where it will be maintained as a commercial TV and movie set.
Blaming the coronavirus pandemic, BA said in July it would have to retire its entire jumbo jet fleet, a source of huge regret for aero-geeks and fans of the “Queen of the Skies”, the aircraft which brought long-haul flights to the masses.
The pandemic has brought financial ruin to the travel industry. BA’s owner IAG reported a 1.3 billion euro loss earlier on Thursday and warned on future demand.
At Dunsfold, the 747 will form the backdrop for interior and exterior shots and be used for training purposes, a BA statement said, adding that in future it would be opened up as an exhibition for visitors.
BA’s last jumbos took off from Heathrow earlier in October, the end of an era for the world’s most easily recognised jetliner with its humped fuselage, four engines and 16 main wheels.