The iconic British Airways Boeing 747, adorned in the retro BOAC 747 livery, is regrettably destined for dismantling due to insufficient funds allocated for the aircraft’s preservation. This particular jet, identified as G-BYGC, holds historical significance, as it was the final 747 to take to the skies on December 11, 2020, before its subsequent storage at St Athan.

This aircraft, according to Planespotters.net data, first joined the British Airways fleet in January 1999. As a tribute to the airline’s rich heritage, the jet was repainted in the classic BOAC livery in 2022, a design that the airline proudly showcased many decades ago.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically decreased the demand for air travel in the UK, the aircraft was taken out of service. It spent some time in storage at both London Heathrow & Cardiff, followed by St Athan, where preservation plans were originally intended. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the decision to scrap this notable aircraft was recently made.

BOAC, the predecessor to British Airways, operated from 1940 until 1974 and significantly influenced the identity of today’s airline. Over those 34 transformative years, BOAC witnessed the dawning of the jet age, a period that revolutionized air travel. This impact continues to resonate in the current era of aviation.

Sadly, the loss of this jet represents more than just the physical dismantling of an aircraft; it’s the disappearance of a crucial piece of aviation history. Therefore, the importance of preserving such historical artefacts is highlighted even more.

As the BOAC-liveried Boeing 747 approaches its final days, all eyes are set on the iconic airframe, soon to be reduced to a memory as the process of scrapping commences at St Athan.

So, it’s really sad to hear about the potential scrapping of the Boeing 747. We should be preserving pieces of history like this, right? Now, the spotlight is on the final days of this jet. All eyes are on St Athan, where it will meet its end.

READ ALSO: British Airways 747

So, what’s your take on this? How do you feel about losing this iconic jet? And do you think we can do anything to save these historical aircraft from being scrapped?

Source: Aviation Source News