British Airways says goodbye to its Boeing 747

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The airline British Airways announced that he is saying goodbye to his fleet of Boeing 747, conocida con cariño como «La Reina de los Cielos». Britrish press photo.

After nearly five decades of service and millions of miles driven around the world, it is proposed that the airline's remaining fleet, made of 31 Boeing 747-400, be withdrawn with immediate effect as a result of the devastating impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the airline and aviation sector, It is not expected to recover to the levels of the 2019 by the any less 4 More years.

just a year ago, British Airways lovingly painted four of its Boeing planes 747 in heritage colors to commemorate the company's centennial. BOAC aircraft made a guest appearance alongside the Red Arrows squadron to the delight of spectators at the Royal International Air Tattoo, but unfortunately it will soon be heading towards its final resting place along with other 30 aircraft.

British Airways slowly phased out the most fuel-guzzling plane as it reached the end of its life to help meet the company's commitment to lower emissions and greater economic efficiency..

The airline has invested heavily in new, modern long-haul aircraft, including six Airbus A350s and 32 Boeing 787, which are about a 25 percent more fuel efficient than Boeing 747.

Alex Cruz, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, said: «No es así como queríamos o esperábamos tener que despedirnos de nuestra increíble flota de 747 planes. It's a heartbreaking decision. Many people, incluidos miles de nuestros colegas pasados ​​y presentes, countless hours have been spent on these wonderful aircraft, have been at the center of so many memories, including my first long-haul flight. They will always have a special place in our hearts at British Airways..

History

BOAC operated its first service with Boeing 747 from London to New York 14 april 1971 and, in july 1989, the first 747-400 de British Airways, rose to the skies.

The observers and spotters of planes lining the perimeter fences of Heathrow watched as the magnificent 747-400 typically took off at 180 mph and reached sky cruising speeds of up to 565 mph.

Over the next decade, the airline received 56 planes more, and its final aircraft was delivered in April 1989. At that moment, it was the largest commercial airliner in the world, and it remained so until the Airbus A380 first took to the skies in 2007.

In a moment, British Airways operated 57 Boeing 747-400 planes. The original aircraft featured 27 first class seats and 292 economy class. Initially, top cover, widely described as the bubble, contained a hall, with armchairs. Era conocido como el «club en el cielo» y el avión también fue anfitrión del primer asiento de cama plana del mundo que British Airways introdujo antes que nadie en 1999.

Today's aircraft can hold up to 345 customers in four classes: Club World (Business), World Traveler Plus (Premium Economy) y World Traveler (Economy). British Airways recently revamped the interiors of several of its aircraft 747 which are expected to remain in service for several years.

The airline's jumbo jets are currently grounded at various locations in the UK and are now only expected to reach heights of 35,000 feet as they make their final journeys.

facts and statistics

• Boeing has made planes 747 for more than 50 years.
• BOAC made its first flight with Boeing 747 the 14 april 1971.
• British Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 in july 1989 and the last one in April 1999.
• in its heyday, the airline had a fleet of 57 Boeing 747-400.
• British Airways is currently the world's largest aircraft operator 747-400.
• The average age of the British Airways fleet is 23 years.
• The 747-400 has winglets of 6 feet tall at the tips of its wings to improve efficiency.
• Have 16 main wheels and two front wheels on the nose.
• the wings of a 747-400 span 213 feet and are large enough to accommodate 50 parked cars.
• The height of the tail 19.5 meters is equivalent to a six-story building.
• the boeing 747-400 have 70 meters long.

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