Concorde: End of An Era
Apr 10, 2003 /FW/ -- If you plan to fly in a Concorde, better do it within the next
six months. British Airways announced today the retirement of its Concorde fleet of seven
aircraft at the end of October 2003. Air France will be retiring their Concordes on May 31.
British Airways said that its decision had been made for commercial reasons with
passenger revenue falling steadily against a backdrop of rising maintenance
costs for the aircraft.
Rod Eddington, British Airways' chief executive, said: "Concorde has served us well and we
are extremely proud to have flown this marvellous and unique aircraft for the past 27 years.
"This is the end of a fantastic era in world aviation but bringing forward Concorde's
retirement is a prudent business decision at a time when we are having to make difficult
decisions right across the airline."
In a communiqué, Air France explained the termination of flights was due to "the deterioration
of economic results of the transatlantic line operated by the Concorde", notably "since the
beginning of the year".
"It is a regret that Air France had to take the decision to stop the operation of the Concorde,
but the choice imposed itself" said Jean-Cyril Spinetta, CEO of Air France.
Though it will cost Air France from 50-60 million Euros to retire its Concorde fleet, it will be
avoiding a loss of 30-50 million Euros a year if the airline keep on offering Concorde flights.
The Concorde is the world's only supersonic passenger aircraft, cruising
around 1,350 miles per hour, and at an altitude of up to 60,000 feet (more than 11 miles high).
It travels at Mach 2 and can cross the Atlantic in just over three hours. It entered
commercial service in 1976.
Considered part of premium luxury travel, the Concorde has been very popular with the rich
and famous. Supermodels are usually flown via Concorde as they travel from city to city
during the international fashion season.
It is so much part of the myth of the glitz and glamor associated with fashion that last
Milan Womenswear Fall 2003 Show, DSquared2 created a replica of a part of
a Concorde to show their collection entitled 'Flight of Fancy' which depicts the life
of supermodels.
So, if you want to live the life of a supermodel for a day, now is the time.
Concorde seats at 'Once in a Lifetime" fares goes on sale from today, (April 10) to April 17
on a first-come first-serve basis.
$2,999 one-way Concorde, one-way World Traveller (economy)
$3,499 one-way Concorde, one-way World Traveller Plus
$4,499 one-way Concorde, one-way Club World (business class)
$5,499 one-way Concorde, one-way First class
This range of fares can be booked by calling 1(800) 224 0500 or through
travel agents.
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