Concorde to be retired at end of October

Concorde is to be retired from service at the end of October 2003, British Airways officially announced today.

The airline said the 1,320mph supersonic aircraft was being axed for “commercial reasons, with passenger revenue falling steadily against a backdrop of rising maintenance costs for the aircraft”.

The announcement brings to an end a supersonic era which began when the 100-seater Concorde made its first flight in 1969, followed by the start of passenger services in 1976.

BA said today that detailed discussions, over an extended period, with Airbus, the aircraft’s manufacturer, confirmed the need for an enhanced maintenance programme in the coming years.

The airline went on: “BA has decided that such an investment cannot be justified in the face of falling revenue caused by a global downturn in demand for all forms of premium travel in the airline industry.”

It added that the downturn had had a negative impact on Concorde bookings and was set to continue for the foreseeable future.

BA’s chief executive Rod Eddington 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.”

Noel Forgeard, president and chief executive officer of Airbus, said: “Airbus’ predecessors Aerospatiale and British Aircraft Corporation created Concorde some 40 years ago and we are proud of this remarkable achievement.

“But its maintenance regime is increasing fast with age. Thus, as an aircraft manufacturer, we understand completely and respect the decision of British Airways, especially in the present economic climate.

“It goes without saying that until the completion of the very last flight, we will continue to support the airline so that the highest standards of maintenance and safety are entirely fulfilled.”

Meanwhile, Air France says it is stopping its supersonic Concorde service in November.