A legendary UK aircraft is set to become a unique tourist attraction in Gloucestershire.
Retiring from service earlier this year, British Airways are set to permanently house one of their iconic Boeing 747’s G-CIVB at Cotswold Airport. As well as preserving the aircraft, the airport is planning to convert the interior into a visitor experience – which will go far beyond trawling the aisle, seats and cockpit of the historic plane.
British Airways has announced the airport will transform a portion of the plane into a cinema for locals and an educational zone for school trips. A business and conference facility will also feature in the revamped plane, in which companies across the county can privately hire.
Early retirement
British Airways’ took the decision to retire its legendary collection of Boeing 747s including G-CIVB earlier this year, as it struggled against the barriers of international travel through the pandemic.
Despite waving goodbye to the skies, the classic G-CIVB is set to be ultra-popular as a guest experience – as visitors are immersed into its rich history, complete of a staggering 14,000 flights, almost 120,000 flying time and 60 million air miles. The aircraft was one the last Boeing 747s to leave Heathrow Airport earlier this month.
Video showcases the Boeing 747’s last flight from Heathrow Airport (Credit: ITV)
Commenting on the new purpose for the Boeing 747 Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways said: “It was with great sadness that we retired our two final 747s based at Heathrow earlier this month, so we’re glad Cotswold Airport is able to give one of these aircraft a new home and a new lease of life.
“The 747, and the Negus livery, are iconic in British Airways’ past, and we hope locals and visitors will enjoy seeing this slice of history for years to come.”
Following the aircraft renovations, the new visitor experience is set to open to the public in 2021.
