757 reaches its end

British Airways is to retire its last passenger Boeing 757 with a special flight on Saturday 6 November.

BA was one of two launch customers (along with Eastern Airlines in the USA), with their first aircraft being delivered in January 1983.  In total BA operated 53 (including Caledonian Airways), the fleet flying an estimated total mileage of six hundred million miles, and carrying one hundred and thirty million passengers.

Currently fitted with 186 seats the Rolls-Royce powered aircraft was initially likened to the Boeing 707, but with two engines.  In retirement most are finding a new life flying as freighters for ‘overnight package’ operators.

Ian Allan Aviation Tours have chartered G-CPET, one of the last aircraft, for a special “Champagne Farewell (return) Flight” to Manchester repainted in the airline’s 1983 “Negus & Negus” livery.  Bookings are being taken from enthusiasts and former 757 crew. www.ianallantravel.com/aviationtours

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