26th October 2023 - Concorde passes over the Clifton suspension bridge on its final flight to Filton. Photograph: Lewis Whyld/SWNS
20 years ago today, in an historic and emotional moment for aviation enthusiasts worldwide, the legendary Concorde, an icon of supersonic travel, took its final flight to Filton Airfield, the place of its birth.
The sleek and unmistakable delta-winged Concorde, renowned for slashing transatlantic flight times in half, had become synonymous with luxury and speed, gracing the skies for nearly 30 years. On the 26th October 2003, Concorde returned to its birthplace in Bristol, where it was designed, developed, and first took flight in 1969, marking the end of a storied journey.
Those that were there reported that the atmosphere at Filton Airfield was electric as a large crowd of aviation enthusiasts, former Concorde crew members, engineers, and onlookers gathered to witness this historic moment. The sight of the Concorde, with its characteristic silhouette, cast a mesmerising spell on the spectators, serving as a poignant reminder of the golden age of supersonic travel.
On board G-BOAF, the last Concorde produced, for its farewell flight were a select group of individuals who had played pivotal roles in the Concorde program. These included retired pilots, engineers, and industry experts. As the aircraft touched down one final time, there were tears, smiles, and a palpable sense of pride among those who had been part of this extraordinary journey.
The retirement of Concorde came as a result of a combination of factors, including rising maintenance costs, environmental concerns, and a declining demand for supersonic travel.
Despite its retirement, Concorde remains an enduring symbol of human innovation and ambition. Its legacy lives on through modern aviation technologies, as quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft take centre stage in the industry.
The last flight to Filton was a poignant reminder that while technology evolves and the world changes, the indomitable spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of excellence continue to be a part of the human DNA. Concorde’s sleek and supersonic design will forever be etched in the history books of aviation.
If you ever visit Filton Airfield, looking up at Concorde feels like you are staring at a time machine, taking you back to that bygone era when supersonic dreams soared higher and faster than ever before. This farewell to a legend was indeed bittersweet, but it served as a testament to the unwavering human desire to conquer the skies.
For a fascinating insight to the cockpit of Concorde, I recommend listening or watching a captivating interview with Captain John Hutchinson, on the Plane Talking UK podcast.
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