British Airways Goes Retro with BOAC Livery on Boeing 747

Photo Source: Birtish Airways

Large crowds gathered at Heathrow Airport on Monday morning to watch the much-anticipated arrival of a British Airways Boeing 747 painted in the iconic design of its predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). The arrival coincided with the Boeing 747 first flight anniversary just days earlier.

Photo Source: Birtish Airways/Stuart-Bailey

From the paint bay at Dublin Airport, the BOAC Boeing 747 flew directly to Heathrow, from where it departed on Tuesday for the New York-JFK Airport operating as flight BA117. This flight was particularly significant as it was the first route the B747 flew in BOAC colors.

The aircraft will continue to fly British Airways’ 747-operated routes proudly showcasing the design as part of the airline’s centenary celebrations.

“In our centenary year, it’s a pleasure to be celebrating our past while also looking to the future,” said British Airways Chairman and CEO Alex Cruz.

The aircraft can be tracked using Flight Radar, which will feature a special image of the livery.

Photo Source: Birtish Airways/Stuart-Bailey Picture by: Stuart Bailey

Photo Source: Birtish Airways/Stuart-Bailey

The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023, to allow as many customers as possible to have the chance to see it. By this time, British Airways will have retired the majority of its 747 fleet, replacing them with new state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft.

Τhe BOAC livery adorned the BOAC fleet between 1964 and 1974.