A British Airways Boeing 747 has officially been saved from the scrap heap, and will instead be offered a new life as a film and TV set based at Dunsfold Park in Surrey, England.
Dunsfold Park is most famous for being the filming location of the BBC’s Top Gear, however has also been utilised by major film productions including Batman Begins, Mission Impossible and Casino Royale.
The aircraft, G-CIVW, departed Cardiff Airport in Wales shortly before 2:15pm on Wednesday, and arrived at the Dunsfold Aerodrome shortly after, at around 3pm.
The aircraft performed its final trans-Atlantic flight on 28 March 2020, when it flew from Boston Logan International Airport to London Heathrow. Since then it has been ferried around the UK, and has been stationed at Cardiff Airport since 11 June 2020.
G-CIVW has been a part of the British Airways fleet since 15 May 1998, and currently bears the Chatham Dockyard livery, first introduced in 1997, which the team at Dunsfold has said it will keep.
The British Airways jumbo jet will not be alone in its new home at Dunsfold Park. In fact, it joins another ex-British Airways 747, a -200 model, which has been stationed at the aerodrome since it was retired in 2002.
This 747-200, G-BDXJ, has been featured in a number of films in its time at Dunsfold Park, including Casino Royale, The Theory of Everything, and London Has Fallen.
Now, G-CIVW will also have its time to shine, with the plane to be utilised for both internal and external shots for both TV and film.
Jim McAllister, chief executive at Dunsfold Aerodrome, said, “The 747 is a unique and important piece of aviation history and we are excited to be taking delivery of this retired aircraft at Dunsfold Aerodrome.
“Whilst G-CIVW will no longer fly, the aircraft will be preserved and given a new lease of life in the world of TV and film, training and special events.”
In July, British Airways announced the sad news that all 31 of its remaining Boeing 747s would be retired immediately, four years ahead of their scheduled retirement.
The decision was made in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has decimated demand for international travel.
Earlier this month, British Airways farewelled its final two Boeing 747s from London Heathrow.
Edward A Hopgood
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