The British Airways Boeing 747 graced our skies for over five decades, from the 747-100 classic series in the early 1970s, right through to the 747-400 variants, which arrived in 1989 and were finally retired from service in late 2020. Over this period the aircraft has been considered a global icon, ‘Queen of the Skies’, with British Airways leading the operations of the type, as the world’s largest operator.
Here, at the RAeS Heathrow Branch, we have closely observed the era of B747 at Heathrow, from its inaugural through to retirement, and we are delighted to have two of the people who knew it best to this special webinar, pays tribute to the dedicated service of the B747.
Capt. Al Bridger, Director of Flight Operations for British Airways, who was Flight Manager Technical and one of the pilots to fly the last of the British Airways ‘Jumbo Jets’ to their resting place in October and December 2020. He will be sharing his memories of his time on the fleet, as well as providing an insight into being at the controls during that final flight.
We are also delighted to invite Capt. Hugh Dibley, for a panel session hosted by BA Senior First Officer Eleanor McBrien, from the RAeS Heathrow Branch Committee. Capt Dibley was selected for the first B747 course for BOAC, and soon became an instructor and examiner on the aircraft. He too became Flight Manager Technical for the B747 in his time at British Airways.
We hope this to be a fitting final farewell to the true ‘Queen of the Skies’.
