The last British Airways 747-400 has a new home on the English countryside and has been converted into a party plane.
Final British Airways 747 Now A Party Plane On English Countryside
British Airways accelerated the retirement of its Boeing 747-400 fleet during the pandemic, projecting passenger demand would slowly return and therefore the four-engine “Queen of the Skies” would not be necessary. The final flight, operated by G-CIVB and sporting BA’s iconic Negus retro livery, flew from Miami (MIA) to London (LHR) in April 2020.
While the final resting place of many of the remaining 747s is uncertain, G-CIVB was purchased for £1 by Suzannah Harvey, the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Cotswold Airport in southwest England. Cotswold Airport (GBA) is privately owned.
But it took over £500,000 to retrofit the aircraft for its new purpose, which will be to host parties and school tours. The aircraft no longer has seats in economy class, with economy class cabins retrofitted with an onboard bar and discotheque.
The business and first class cabins remain untouched (for now), including the upper deck.
Want to rent this plane for a party or private function? Pricing will start at £1,000 per hour. This spring, the aircraft will also be opened for educational tours and to the public (for a fee). Money raised will offset preservation costs and if healthy, will eventually finance a scholarship fund.
While many elements of the plane were left, safety regulations required removing the emergency exit slide.
CONCLUSION
For over 30 years, the iconic Queen of the Skies flew for British Airways, clocking in over over 13,000 flights and nearly 60 million miles. While I’d rather see her in the air, I’m pleased that at least G-CIVB has a loving new home and look forward to visiting myself one day.
> Read More: British Airways Defends Its Decision To Retire 747
> Read More: Farewell Photo Tour – British Airways 747-400
image: negus747 / Instagram
Loving these retired aircraft being repurposed. It’s such a great thing for avgeeks and better than seeing them rot away in the desert. Boarding Area Bloggers might consider some fun event here in the future. Who knows, Joe Chivas might even make a surprise guest appearance.
Unrelated, but I flew DEN-LAX last night and instead of the nasty ragu I was expecting, I received a cheese and cracker plate, olives from one of the snack boxes, and one of the pie in the sky. It was all served on the regular meal tray, and the FA didn’t ask anyone if they wanted it it was just brought to everyone.
Wondering if anyone else has had this experience? Honestly was a lot better than the ragu so I’m not even upset I didn’t get the “real dinner”,
FTU LONDON 2022!!!!