… British European Airways (BEA).
Continuing the celebration of the centenary of British Airways – after the successful retrojet repaint of G-BYGC into BOAC colours, the airline has chosen the colours of BEA from 1959 to 1968 for their next retrojet.
This will fly aboard a more modern Airbus A319 – G-EUPJ
The A319 will enter the IAC paint bay at Shannon Airport this weekend (23/24th February) where it will be repainted with the BEA livery which flew predominantly on domestic and European routes between 1959 and 1968.
However, there will be a significant difference with the replica; the aircraft will have a grey upper wing, rather than the traditional red, to meet current wing paint reflectivity requirements.
The aircraft will also get a BA 100 logo on rear of the fuselage.
You will have less time to spot this aircraft, as it is due for retirement in 2020. The aircraft will wear that colour scheme until then.
The aircraft will also get a BA 100 logo on rear of the fuselage.
You will have less time to spot this aircraft, as it due for retirement in 2020. The aircraft will wear that colour scheme until then.
In quotes
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:
“There’s been plenty of speculation about our next heritage livery, so it’s great to finally be able to make this exciting announcement. BEA is an important part of our history, and many customers and colleagues will have fond memories flying on its aircraft. We’re sure this latest livery will bring back a flood of emotions and pride in not only British Airways, but the UK’s impressive aviation history – and what better time to do that than in our centenary year as we celebrate our past and look to the future. I can’t wait to see this classic design taking back to the skies.”
More to come!
The airline is also stating “More replica designs will be revealed in due course” – which seems appropriate as British Airways celebrates a lineage that goes back 100 years.
All new aircraft will receive the current Chatham Dockyard design that flies on the British Airways fleet – and yes, that induces the Airbus A350 that’s due to enter service this year.
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Looks good! Not quite as good as the BOAC colours…really wish they’d go back to that livery, Chatham Dockyard is OK but the BOAC livery is better.
Wish they weren’t putting it on an aircraft scheduled for retirement so soon, though.
I think that (the Vanguard or Viscount?) was the first (commercial) airplane I can remember flying on – possibly London(?) to Portugal in summer 1968 at about age 6,I may have flown on a Comet to Johannesburg from London via several intermediate stops circa 1965 but too young to remember and happy to be corrected, Kind regards, Aussie Boy (naturalised).