BA 747 is saved! G-CIVW. Final flight to Dunsfold. Spectacular “Go around” & landing. 22.10.20

22nd October 2020. Finally some good news that we have all been waiting for. G-CIVW has been selected for saving and today, the aircraft flew for her final flight from Cardiff Wales where she has been in storage, to Dunsfold aerodrome; her new home. The aircraft is to be used for films and promotional work and the intention in the medium term is that it will be exhibited for public display at the new aviation museum once built south of the existing aerodrome.
So here is the film catching the aircraft approaching the airfield, then performing an amazing and ear splitting missed approach at VERY close quarters; then going around one more time making a perfect landing.
I have also included some "bonus" material - G-CIVW seen in commercial action over the last 2 years. Enjoy.

[@tango6nf477]

Probably the most majestic, stable and comfortable aircraft ever produced it was a pleasure to fly in one, sad that their time has come but will not be forgotten.

[@richiea1]

Amazing!! I’ve worked as Cabin Crew on this aircraft since the day it went into service at BA. Such a fitting end to the most definite Queen of the Skies ❤️ Thank you so much for making this video. It means a lot to all of us who’ve flown her.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@richiea1 Ah thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad the film catches the moment - there was almost an air of celebration, especially after the go-around - the crowds were whooping with delight. As you say, a fitting end for this lovely aircraft. Best wishes Steve

[@jovanholland36]

What was it like cus i haven't flown on a 747 yet

[@Thereishope664]

The excitement of boarding this Big Bird and flying the world from young man to now has been one of life's great experiences. Truly an iconic piece of aviation history.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Motown Boy. Well said - you are absolutely right. 👍

[@bobsurgranny]

Lovely stuff. Thanks for showing

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@bobsurgranny. Thanks very much - I’m glad you enjoyed watching it!

[@rico4you]

EPIC video...what beauty so elegant... 747!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Rico4you. Thank you - glad you liked the film and it is great news isn’t it. Let’s hope more good news is on the way for the Landor and BOAC 747s......

[@rico4you]

@@HeathrowAircraft Yes keeping such an Epic plane like the 747 sure is great news! Let's hope BA also reacts with Concorde at Heathrow and takes more care.

[@fanofjets]

Stunning footage! That unmistakable profile of which you speak has been with me for 50 years, when I saw a (then) brand-new Pan Am example. Economics demands large twins. At least we can preserve the memory of the Boeing 747 - and (as I write this) British Airways has preserved four examples for us to admire for another 50 years.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Daniel Berek. Thanks very much indeed for watching and sharing memories. Like you I can remember the first 747s and also when the TriStar came into service. Happy days! Here is the Landor 747 arriving into Dunsfold on her final flight too! Happy Christmas! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZeZgpiBj71np7M

[@stevenmedlock7580]

Thank you .I look forward to your great video of her coming in..

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steven Medlock 🤞No pressure then 🤣. It looks like easterly wind direction if tomorrow so I’m not sure I will be able to get the kind of shot I did for CIVW which came in from the west on runway 25... let’s see what tomorrow brings ...

[@ukaviationtransport9441]

Amazing video! I'm so glad this 747 is living a new life along with her older sister G-BDXJ. Very well done for making the travel there! Hopefully you all had fun there :D

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@UKAviationTransport - thanks very much. There was certainly a good atmosphere - especially after the "go-around" :-)

[@chrisquelch2987]

wasnt g-bdxj the one that had the four engine shut down over Indonesia went through the ash cloud.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@chrisquelch2987 That was sister aircraft X-ray Hotel. Nicknamed by crew as the “flying glider” after that.

[@joncooke671]

Flew this one several times to JFK and to Washington. Gutted to never fly these beauties again. Will treasure the memories and delighted this one is saved from scrap

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jon Cooke Great that you had the chance to fly on this actual aircraft - amazing when you hear the ATC commentary after the landing (7:16) "Total landings 11,424" - you were part of that!

[@joncooke671]

@@HeathrowAircraft it’s crazy to think it’s all part of history. The 747 is forever iconic and there will never be anything like it again. I’m sad to see the age of trijet and quadjet planes come to a close.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jon Cooke. Yes you are absolutely right.

[@uknewslink]

I am happy that this 747 has been saved. I wish we had the money to save more speedbird 747.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@uknewslink Definitely - I agree - more should be saved for the future generations to see.....

[@StephenBarker-j6n]

Still never fail to impress whenever i see one. Fortunate to regularly see the cargo 747s at east midlands airport.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@StephenBarker-j6n They are beautiful aren’t they. ✈️

[@StephenBarker-j6n]

@@HeathrowAircraft theres just something about them that no other aircraft has

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@StephenBarker-j6n Yes so true. If you need a real “fix” - take a look at my complete BA 747 fleet film! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXXdk2SdmtaIjKcsi=zK2k6GtgsX1Dfzst

[@leeffrench6579]

Good to see the TOGA switch on the throttles is still working as it should do!!! Awesome go around a BIG THANK YOU to the flight crew for carrying that out👍👍. If VICTOR WHISKEY COULD TALK IM SURE IT WOULD BE SAYING ON THE GO AROUND “YOU AIN’T LANDING ME YET THERES STILL LIFE IN ME LEFT”🤣🤣👍

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Lee Ffrench - you are right - that's what I was thinking - VW didn't want the fun to end just then.....

[@ozzypearson-leach4121]

Past Gambon, and across the line!!!! Long live the 747

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Ozzy Pearson-Leach LOL - very good. I like it :-)

[@oeman7363]

Finally some good news! I recognise the white 747 200 from the background of Top Gear. Thanks for a great video

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@oe man Well spotted! Yes you’re right! 👍 glad you liked the film ! Cheers. Steve.

[@JJsMum1]

Thanks so much for uploading this video. I’ve been fortunate enough to operate for almost 32 years on these wonderful aircraft & crew are so upset to see their demise. I doubt there’ll ever be another like her ever again. She was definitely the best in my eyes.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Tricia Cox. Thank you very much Tricia. That must have been amazing to work on these aircraft. You must have some amazing and wonderful memories. Glad you enjoyed this film too. Best wishes Steve.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Tricia Cox. And yes I had heard rumours about BYGC too (St Athan but not for scrap!) - and BNLY (Duxford??) Let’s keep hoping.

[@airpete]

Great camera and love that spool up on GA . Thank you for memories. Beautiful aircraft 😔

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@airpete1 Thanks very much - it nearly ended in tears when a huge great HGV decided to stop in the road to watch the final approach!!

[@kakbajoo5440]

Proudly i can say and write that i flew on it, Victor Wisky. the most iconic and beautiful aircraft. Falling in love since the first i saw, 1975....until today...

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Kak Bajoo. Fantastic- great you had the opportunity to fly on VW! ❤️

[@kakbajoo5440]

@@HeathrowAircraft yep, i'm french, i flew my first trip on Jumbo in november 1990, British Airways, B747-400, the economy class was on upper deck, Heatrow-Sao Paulo-Rio de Janeiro, MAJESTICK

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@kakbajoo5440 Beautiful. My first -400’series was in 1992 to Montreal. The flight crew described it as a fantastic new aircraft with so many features that were an upgrade from the -200 series. Sad they have all gone now….

[@aviationlba747]

Yes! I am so thankful that at least one BA 747-400 will be saved from scrapping! Long live G-CIVW!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Aviation LBA Yes - because we still haven't had confirmation the CIVB IS definitely to be preserved - BA are still being "coy" about confirming if it's true or not......

[@aviationlba747]

Yes indeed, hopefully Kemble will make a push to preserve her.

[@stephencurran5429]

I only ever flew on a 747 return trip Manchester to Toronto. Air Canada back in 1984 . Fantastic planes plenty of leg room let’s hope as many 747s can be saved

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Stephen Curran Yes let’s hope that more are saved. 2 confirmed so far - G-CIVW and G-CIVB. Rumours about G-BYGC too (BOAC retro livery) but not officially confirmed yet by BA. Ditto “Landor” livery G-BNLY.

[@stevenholt1867]

we need 747 museums all over the world

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steven Holt. Most definitely!!

[@borisbentley2296]

ABSOLUTELY brilliant

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Boris Bentley - Thank you very much - I'm glad you liked it and thanks for your continued support!

[@jonathanleake8933]

Marvellous video 👏. Thank you so much for capturing this 😊

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jonathan Leake. Thanks so much Jonathan. Glad you enjoyed it!! 👏👏

[@geoffreyhansen8543]

I'm glad that a BA 747 is being preserved.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Geoffrey Hansen. Yes really good news. And of course G-CIVB - at Kemble Cotswold. Official announcement earlier this week. See my film here for more info! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoKxZZyBaNGfaJI

[@RCT3Crashes100]

It’s great to see G-CIVW joining the older G-BDXJ at Dunsfold for a new life ahead of her as a museum piece and filming location - I live by the Thames in Maidenhead, just over 10 miles away from LHR as the crow flies, and so right up until the pandemic clipped their wings I’d see the entirety of BA’s 747 fleet flying over my house pretty much every day, CIVW being among them. The U.K. had been overdue for another preserved 747, so it’s excellent that we now have one to join VH-OJA at Longreach and N661US in Atlanta. Here’s hoping one or more of the retro jet trio get preserved too, hopefully over here as well!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@RCT3Crashes100. Yes it’s great news isn’t it. And living not too far from Dunsfold, hopefully you will get the chance to see VW once things are in place. Let’s hope the rumours circulating about the 3 retro liveries potentially also being saved, become a reality too. Best wishes Steve

[@donaldcraig4491]

Great video of an incredible aircraft. Thankyou. Great that it is saved .

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Donald Craig. Thanks very much. It is really good news isn’t it. Now we just need more good news about the retro livery 747s to complete the story!

[@SilkcutHHH]

Brilliantly captured and bonus with the ATC too. I knew you’d never fail to deliver great footage. Was a momentous day and no footage can do it justice for seeing this happen in person, but this comes close! Excuse the pun!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@HeadHome - Thank you very much - that's very kind of you - there was a great atmosphere - especially after the missed approach / go around!

[@leeffrench6579]

To think this machine has 14 TONNES of ENGINE hanging off EACH WING IS MIND BLOWING combined with all the torque and thrust loading the pylons and wings have to deal with it’s just hard to get try and comprehend!! MASSIVE WEIGHT!! Truly Amazing!!

[@jayd1426]

That go around of the Jumbo was amazing to watch. Nice to see another BA Jumbo saved (I flew on this particular jet, G-CIVW,from JFK in 2018), but very heartbreaking to think that we won’t ever see a 747 in the BA livery at the airports from now on. Britain, and the world will miss them dearly

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jay’s Trip Reports and Plane.. Yes you are right - just in this last year we have lost from Heathrow the Virgin A340 fleet and the BA 747 fleet. Sad times....

[@leeffrench6579]

These machines have so much inertia in them to overcome on a go around. The instantaneous POWER required for a go around is just HUGE!!!!😳😳😳😳

[@stevelamport7862]

never beat the 747 the best

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@steve lamport. Well said. I second that. 👍

[@frederickpritchard994]

Nice to see this big bird has come back to roost just like a racing pigeon.. Funding for filming and siteseeing at the museum has got to be a visit. Thank all at St. Athan and the buyer for saving such an iconic plane. Will she be able to do the occasional fire-up and taxiing on the runway like they do at Bruntingthorpe.??

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Frederick Pritchard. I wish they would be suspect it may not be the case. I think she will be on static display but I will try and find out!

[@mickboakes7023]

Thank you so much for that. Great that you were able to record it. So sad, although I suppose this is the lucky one at least she’ll be around for a few yet. All the best. Stay safe Mick🇬🇧

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Mick Boakes - Thank you very much Mick. As you say, she is so far the only confirmed lucky one, as from what I understand, nothing is confirmed yet for CIVB...let's hope there are more that find permanent homes across the UK and not just in leafy Surrey!

[@bjboddy651]

Fantastic video - The missed approach is feast for the eyes, VW doing her thing one last time 👍

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@BJBoddy - thank you very much! The crew gave us all a special treat with that - and it definitely showcased all that is great about the 747. As someone else said, it's like VW didn't want it to end just yet....!

[@MrFlashjet]

Fabulous video and even better news on 'VW! BA 747's sleeping in the English countryside, who would have believed it!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@MrFlashjet- The Heathrow Airport Archive. Thanks v much Dave - it is quite surreal isn't it as you say, a "Chatham Dockyard" liveried 747 in leafy Surrey!! :-)

[@jeremygordon4460]

Excellent video, thank you so much!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jeremy Gordon. Thank you very much -I’m glad you liked it. It is great to know VW is saved and that in the future we will get the chance to see her in the new museum. Thanks for commenting. Best wishes Steve.

[@christopherjacobs4170]

Awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Christopher Jacobs. Thank you very much - I’m glad you liked it! 👍

[@jamesnewman4351]

Reminds me a bit of when The Princess Anne srn4 hovercraft landed in Lee on Solent..

[@Railviation]

Finally! But BA please preserve G-BYGC and G-BNLY I want to see them again ;__;

[@rajnirvan3336]

And Negus too

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@PsychicRailfanner @Raj Nirvan Yes - there HAS to be some good news for these 3 aircraft surely???!!!

[@JJsMum1]

I’ve been told that G-BYGC which is at Cardiff is to be preserved too

[@Railviation]

@@JJsMum1 source?

[@JJsMum1]

@@Railviation Sorry I meant St. Athan. I was told by the company Plane Reclaimers that are based there.

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Fantastic video and great to see her saved from the scrap men ... best part was the engines spooling back up for the go around. Airports will never sound the same ever again 😢🧱👍🏼

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Bricklaying With Steve and Alex - thanks v much! Yes that go-around was an unexpected surprise - the crowd roared with delight :-)

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

@@HeathrowAircraft 🥳🥳🥳🥳🧱👍🏽

[@r12004rewy]

Great news that this 747 is being kept from the scraped and wow that was some landing.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@r12004rewy 👀It was an amazing landing wasn’t it? Nice to hear the crowds Clapping too....

[@williamdixon1992]

Incredible footage. Nicely done! I'm a former Flight Attendant for Pan Am,TWA, and American Airlines.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@William Dixon. Thanks very much William. I hope it brings back good memories for you. You have worked for some of the most prestigious and celebrated airlines that’s for sure! Best regards Steve.

[@someplanes4321]

Wow amazing capture

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Someplanes -Thank you very much - glad you liked it and thanks for watching too!

[@puffinclouds8534]

Beautiful aircraft 👌🏻

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Puffin Clouds. Yes she looked very graceful in that banking left turn on the approach to runway 25!

[@RudivanGoch]

Amazing video!! Thanks for capturing!! Historic moment right here! Epic go around followed by a landing on the airfield which I only know because of Top Gear.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Rudi van Goch a Aviation Videography. Thanks very much. It was a great occasion to witness! Glad it is captured on film! Thanks for commenting

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

Absolutely beautiful, and sad... But so glad to hear this one will be saved 👍👍

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Bill Seidel. Thank you - yes a bittersweet occasion. But good news too for G-CIVB (Negus) which is also saved. Official announcement earlier this week. See my film at kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoKxZZyBaNGfaJI

[@bisey4014]

3:09 - 3:59 in particular is absolutely stunning work, Steve... thanks for capturing this. Your videos just get better & better and always a celebration of the aircraft... unlike certain other channels 👀

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Bisey Thank you very much - that's very kind - I'm glad you enjoyed the film and thanks for your support for the channel too! Best wishes Steve

[@leeffrench6579]

We’re all still waiting BA for one to return to HEATHROW to retire next to Concorde. Hurry up and make the decision on which beauty will be returning to its home for preservation!! Bring back G- CIVB!!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Lee Ffrench - that would be great wouldn't it - or G-BNLY...let's hope BA do something anyway!

[@RCT3Crashes100]

@@HeathrowAircraft It certainly would be great for one of the retro jets to join Concorde - two icons, both of aviation as a whole and flying in the UK, standing together to bid farewell to those flying out of Heathrow, and welcome those arriving!

[@stevejessop6828]

yet another great video,so happy she has been saved.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@STEVE JESSOP - Thank you so much - very much appreciated...it's great that it isn't a "goodbye" film for a change too!!!

[@AviationAlex]

YES! the final go around of a BA 747 (probably)

[@PlanesAndGames732]

Hope you can go to Cardiff and see the final departure of LY and GC

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Planes and Games. Interesting point - may not be able to as most of Wales is in a tight lockdown....let's see what transpires in the next month or so......

[@slade747]

That is great news she was able to be saved ❤️

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@slade747. Yes most definitely. Let’s hope we hear good news about G-BYGC and G-BNLY 🤞

[@NToombes]

Superb!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Neil Toombes. Thank you- it was a great go around and subsequent landing!

[@ianstewartaviation2634]

Excellent work let’s hope the plans reach fruition and she is not messed around with like the other 747 there and another airfield is lost👍👌👏🇬🇧✈️

[@dodahspeak]

Couldn't agree more. I was gutted when they messed around with the engines on G-BDXJ. I knew that once they did they it would never be out back as it was.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Ian.S Thanks very much Ian. Yes there is planning permission for housing on the site isn't there I understand, so that the new museum to be built will be south of the existing airfield - that's where VX will eventually go - let's hope it does all come to fruition as you say.....Best wishes Steve

[@stevecurd3944]

fantastic

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@steve curd 👍 A good news story for a change too!

[@airfoxtrot2006]

Beautiful video

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Mark Jones Thank you very much Mark - it's great that at least one is DEFINITELY being saved!! :-) Best wishes Steve

[@testando6655]

Yaass yeah yeah yeah soo powerful pilot a real king. watching dis from here with my rock playlist crancked to 11. Delta Parole and other rock band etc. LIT LIT LIT!

[@melvyncox3361]

Great footage there mate!Sad to see these leaving the fleet.Looks like boring samey twin jets at Heathrow in the future (who knows when that will be...)😎💕👍

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Melvyn Cox. Hi Melvyn good to hear from you. Thanks for your comments. Yes Heathrow won’t be the same will it. In less than a year we’ve lost the 747s and the iconic A340s from Virgin too. Very sad. Keep in touch. Best wishes Steve.

[@melvyncox3361]

Yeah,will do Steve.l'm sure there will be lots more developments in the pipeline,that's for sure...

[@rajnirvan3336]

Glad they kept 1. Did they also save Negus

[@tjfSIM]

I believe Negus is to be preserved in a similar fashion at Cotswolds/Kemble aerodrome.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@tjfSIM Yes let's hope so - but we haven't had official confirmation from BA yet - so may still be under negotiation I guess.....

[@TrBoy87]

Hello, do you have any idea on the fate of G-BNLY (if you are not aware the G-BYGC BOAC will be transported to St Athan to be kept), delivering the Landor to its fate.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Axel Toussaint. Hi there are unconfirmed rumours that G-BNLY will go to Duxford but nothing yet official!

[@dondash8921]

Beautiful plane

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Don Dash. Yes - she looked amazing turning and banking in the leafy Surrey countryside didn’t she? Quite different to the Heathrow environment!!

[@dondash8921]

@@HeathrowAircraft I've only been on the 747-100 but was treated to a visit to the flight deck. They still had 3 on the flight deck. It was pretty cool

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@dondash8921 That is cool! Not many people have had that chance!

[@dondash8921]

@@HeathrowAircraft I've flown on many planes but that was the only 747 I was on. I've been on the flight deck of several other planes before 9/11.

[@stevenmedlock7580]

Thank you for letting me no .do you no if a new date yet?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steven Medlock. There is a possibility of tomorrow but they are deciding by 4.30 today. Failing that they are suggesting Sunday.....

[@user-ky6vw5up9m]

Thank You uploader

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@%% You are welcome. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@stevenmedlock7580]

I wish you good luck...

[@rajudebnath6679]

WONDERFUL TAKE OFF MY MIST FABRATR INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES IS BRITISH AIRWAYS LOVE TO SEE THIS SO BEAUTIFUL EXCELLENT .

[@Alex-se4tk]

Good that atleast some have been saved

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@That One Swedish Aviator. Yes and even better now that we know the Landor and BOAC livery 747s have also been saved. Official announcement from British Airways released today.

[@airzulu2733]

Well done great to see. Just sad she will not fly again. The big question is apparently shes going to be used as film prop , but going to be left outside in various weather conditions , which means she's going to suffer deterioration of the fuselage ect . Unless of course their are plans to put this aircraft undercover and cleaned now and then. Great however that many will have a chance to look inside and around her , So who's going to be responsible for this 747 . And if they are looking for people to volunteer to keep her clean and show folks around I like many others would gladly drive down from Hertfordshire to help . Would love a BA 747 placed at Duxford . More so the 400 in BOAC livery. We can only hope .

[@AbcAbc-ox6pg]

True and I wish they leave it in genuine condition and don't remove the engines and so on like they did on the 747-200. Wish they put it inside a building so it is preserved in perfect condition and protected against weather impact and doesn't rot away outside over the years.

[@dodahspeak]

@@AbcAbc-ox6pg yes, they 'vandalised' G-BDXJ when they did that to the engines.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steve Mellor Yes I agree with you - from what I understand, there is planning approval for a new Aircraft museum, to be built to the south of the existing airfield (which itself has planning approval for housing re-development) and in the interim period before it is built, G-CIVW will be used as a film prop. That would also tie in with the comment picked up on the ATC after she landed, about wishing her a safe and happy year or two filming......

[@dodahspeak]

@@HeathrowAircraft Shame that the runway will be built over (?) which will prevent the gradual addition in future of other retiring or withdrawn from service aircraft ... which wont be able to be flown into the new museum.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@dodahspeak Yes too true. ......

[@CONCORDE444]

Trust the aircraft with the reg ending with VW is retired to what is known by most both in and out of the Aviation industry as the Top gear test track. Looks like they are road testing a new VW on the track.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@CONCORDE444. Hey - good lateral thinking there -And you are absolutely right - a whole new meaning to having a VW on the circuit. 👍

[@jamiemacdonald9030]

I love to see one at flinton in bristol home of the last flown concorde i hear the runway has gone in bristol to beautiful aircraft

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jamie Macdonald. That would be great wouldn’t it. Let’s stay positive it might yet happen! 👍

[@aymendz256]

is 747 going to be stopped totally or just for British airways ?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Aymen Benamor. Lufthansa are retaining some of theirs still but most other airlines have withdrawn their passenger versions of the 747 because of the downturn in passenger numbers since COVID.

[@leeffrench6579]

There’s not one thing on these machines that looks ugly they are just so photogenic, and I have to say they look so smart in the BA LIVERY it was if it was just all meant to be FOREVER!!!!☹️☹️☹️sadly NOT.

[@peterbunting8485]

Am I right in thinking this one is the only one left still totally complete and possibly air worthy?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@peterbunting8485 Hi Peter - I believe the engines were removed and replaced with unserviceable units after it arrived at Dunsfold - so I suspect not. There was also some talk a while back about whether it could safely depart out of Dunsfold even if airworthy, because of the relatively short runway length?

[@peterbunting8485]

@@HeathrowAircraft oh right I see. Such a shame as I'm guessing she will end up being scrapped at some point in the not too distant future. Thanks for your reply and the info.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@peterbunting8485 Thanks Peter. Your prophesy I think will come true over the next 2-3 years as I know there are plans to close the airfield and redevelop it for housing. Evidently a museum was supposed to be included as part of the planning gain -but will it be large enough to accommodate 3 747s plus a VC10 - all of which are located at the airfield currently?? 🤷🏽

[@peterbunting8485]

@@HeathrowAircraft I just think as the management moves onto new generations the respect for history gets put well below cash gains. I'm very interested in the BA 747s, is there more than 2 still mostly complete in the UK? As I saw on a list somewhere that maybe 4 in total are classed as in storage still.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@peterbunting8485 Hi Peter yes you’re right re money before history, sadly. In terms of preserved a/c there is of course G-BNLY which is open from time to time. See onboard tour here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3icfnpuh72mnLMsi=SPFxKklNmY3kbmTy There is Negus G-CIVB at Kemble Cotswold - see onboard tour here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZSYfZ6Lj5uAgpYsi=jUU9YPCIH7GRIvF1 And re other BA 747s (apart from G-CIVW) the only others now are the 5 stored at Teruel in Spain. They flew out in April 2020 just after lockdown - 5 in convoy and have never flown since, although occasionally the transponder “lights up” on G-CIVR. They are: G-CIVA; CIVR; CIVS; CIVT and CIVX. From seeing photos over the last couple of years, they appear to be pretty intact - but who knows what their future holds??

[@danielhorton5814]

Top gear?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@daniel horton. You’ve got it!! 👍

[@garthlyon]

Concorde should have done at least one missed approach on its last flights... I wonder if the pilots considered it - must have been tempting to punch forward the throttles and hit the reheats one last time.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Garth Drury. Wow can you imagine what that would have felt and sounded like close up - would have been out of this world.....

[@planespottingringway]

Nice one mate! Is she being preserved at dunsfold?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Planespotting Ringway. Thanks v much mate. Yes she is for the next couple of years going to be used in filming (like ex BA 747 G-BDXJ already on the airfield) and in the longer term when the new museum is developed, this is to be preserved there -still in the Chatham Dockyard livery. 👍👍

[@planespottingringway]

Wow that’s brilliant! I’ll get myself down there when the museum opens!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@planespottingringway Good plan! 👍✈️

[@tractorman810]

whos saved it then? BA them selfs or a private company ?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Sean pullen. Dunsfold aerodrome bought it - for eventual display in a museum. Have a look at the BA press office press releases for more info!

[@paulskilling6637]

Glad they kept civw nice to see it last forever

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@paul skilling - yes definitely a good move. Once COVID is over and it is set up in the museum it will be great to go on board and experience it......

[@paulskilling6637]

present. agree hope to go on it one day.

[@leeffrench6579]

It looks to me once IVW had landed sitting at the end of the runway the thrust reverser sleeve was partially open on the #4 engine 🧐🧐🤔🤔?? Was it??

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Lee Ffrench - you are very observant - I hadn't noticed that....let's see if we get any information on that.....

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Lee Ffrench. Top marks to you. Yes apparently the number 4 thrust reverser failed to close so had to be wound back afterwards. Very observant of you!!

[@Oli-zb6jb]

People are saying this one is being saved... whats happening with it exactly? It will never fly again will it?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Oliver Simson. Don’t know if you’ve had a chance to look at my commentary in the film but it has been selected to eventually go into the new museum that will be built at Dunsfold. Before then it will be parked behind the other 747 on the airfield and will be used for film companies needing aircraft interior and exterior footage. It will stay in Chatham dockyard livery. It won’t fly again though.

[@PlanesAndGames732]

Great they saved 2 747s VB and VW. VW came as a surprise to me, only discovered when I saw the video.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Planes and Games. I knew about 3 weeks ago but it was incredibly confidential so couldn’t be released. It did give me time to get the tribute films ready (after the Dunsfold scenes) ✈️

[@PlanesAndGames732]

@@HeathrowAircraft _I see just bc you worked for BA in the 90s..._

[@PlanesAndGames732]

@@HeathrowAircraft Oh btw this one was 4K fine. Maybe you could try reuploading the Virgin 747 takeoff and the VB/VY LHR farewell? (First as unlisted so that you can see if 4K goes or not and avoid making people get a maybe uneeded notification)

[@rajnirvan3336]

Hopefully also preserve Landor and BOAC

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@PlanesAndGames732 Yes I don’t understand what had been going on for the Virgin film. The VB VY film wouldn’t upload in 4K because in part of it there is the old film from 1989 which would not convert to 4K. I will try and re do Barbarella as a private link for you rather than everyone (if I still have it - may have deleted it now as they take up so much space on the PC 😫)

[@Leathersladekitchen]

Blatantly wasn’t a missed approach, was either a bit of a show or pilots wanted a few more minutes, either way, I’m happy!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@James Vaisey. Yes they wanted a bit of a show didn’t they! 👍 And why not?!

[@Leathersladekitchen]

@@HeathrowAircraft i notice the VC10 also had a ‘missed approach’ what a coincidence 😂

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@Leathersladekitchen 😂😂 big coincidence!

[@leeffrench6579]

It’s so hard to think this politically driven virus has finished off such a beautiful fleet of machines!! So so sad. At least IVW has survived the culling process👍👍 good on you girl!! She’s a big old girl looking as gorgeous as ever!!!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Lee Ffrench - yes she did herself proud didn't she!

[@colinmiles1052]

I reckon that go-around was deliberate, pilot just couldn't bring himself to put her on to her final resting place?!

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Colin Miles. Yes I think you are right. An insider who had tipped me off about this a couple of weeks before the announcement said it was “crew playtime” and I think that’s a good description!

[@geoffreyhansen8543]

You certainly can't blame him.

[@johnrauner2515]

Hey, here's an idea. Maybe the pilots did the go around because this was a VFR approach on to what is effectively a decommissioned runway with no operational landing aids. Maybe they decided it was a good idea to perform a visual inspection of the entire field and vicinity before landing because they valued their lives. Grow some brain cells.

[@colinmiles1052]

@@johnrauner2515 My brain cells are fine thanks. So is my sense of humour. Unlike yours it would seem!

[@spency787]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but you are not right this time. That go around was just for the hell of it, a last “hurrah” for the benefit of those watching and the crew before the end. And just for the record, in a go around all you see from the flight deck is sky so your runway inspection would come to nothing. 🛫

[@joseosorio4682]

Extrañaré mucho a esos maravillosos monstruos aéreos como los 747-400 que British Airways ha retirado de la flota activa. Cómo me hubiera encantado que aún tuvieran más vida aunque fueran como cargueros para seguir admirándolos. Les digo hasta luego, aunque estoy consciente de que su continuidad ha terminado. Saludos. 🥺👍🏻

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jose Osorio ¡Gracias! Sí, como tú, realmente extrañaré estos increíbles aviones. El rugido de los motores Rolls Royce, especialmente con esa "aproximación frustrada" a la pista, fue asombroso. Pero al menos G-CIVW se conservará, primero para ser utilizado en películas y películas y luego en 2 años se trasladará a un nuevo museo y estará en exhibición para que el público lo vea. ¡Buenas noticias! Gracias por comentar. Los mejores deseos.

[@yb6.]

Bruh in google earth i saw a Ba 747 taking off in 2015 lmao

[@alistairscott137]

Not all the ex BA 747s are to be scrapped some will be sold to new operators the one's with fewer flying hours

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@alistair scott. Let’s hope you are right. There were unfounded rumours a month or so back that Rossiya would be buying the G-BYGA- G series 747s from BA, but that was not confirmed by BA. Let’s keep hoping for an announcement.

[@stevenmedlock7580]

I hope some one is there to see aircraft nly into dunsfold today 04.12.20

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steven Medlock. It’s not happening today. It was cancelled because of the weather....

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

I am very glad this aircraft has been saved from execution, too much of destruction and demolition in this world and we should preserve some of our inventions, although this plane was actually built in America , washington state at seattle.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@John entwhistle surely Samsung. Yes really good news - we just need to make sure we get some good news on the Landor and BOAC 747s now!

[@ROMEROME1990]

BAW better save all the heritage B744s in Pegasus, BOAC and my all-time favorite BAW heritage livery in the Landor (G-BNLY) and store them into a museum for sure.

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Jerome Graham-Record. Yes let’s hope so! There are plenty of rumours circulating so let’s see what news comes out!

[@ROMEROME1990]

@@HeathrowAircraft Right on

[@aviationin4k258]

I never got to go on BA 747s

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Aviation Gamer. Well let’s hope once VW is set up in the museum, that you can get to go on board and experience the atmosphere?

[@aviationin4k258]

Heathrow Aircraft - past and present. Thx for the info.

[@aviationin4k258]

@@HeathrowAircraft I was here this day to

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@aviationin4k258 We must almost bump into each other and not realise! 🤣 Loads of times we’ve both been filming places at the same time!

[@aviationin4k258]

@@HeathrowAircraft aha yes!

[@stevenmedlock7580]

If the wind is from the east it will be different the landing will then with ivw..

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Steven Medlock yes that’s right. It will be coming in from the opposite end of the airfield - where there is very little in the way of places to photograph from what I can see. It’s all narrow lanes and trees!!

[@leeffrench6579]

Surely BA you could keep a handful of them flying in full revenue service 🤔🤔🤔. It’s just a crime NOT TO.

[@rickybrown5817]

Please come back😭 I love 24 fan blade rb211 rolls Royce engine 😍🤩 come back

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@ricky Brown. I know - the make a great sound don’t they!😍

[@rickybrown5817]

@@HeathrowAircraft what wrong the British airway Boeing 747 why not back to air?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@rickybrown5817 Hi yes they were all withdrawn from service by BA during the first wave of the Covid pandemic in July 2020. Only 4 remain now - the rest have been scrapped. There are also 4 at Teruel in Spain in long term storage but unlikely to ever return to flying service.

[@rickybrown5817]

@@HeathrowAircraft thank you

[@jovanholland36]

I wish they did a retirement flight via lax

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@SOUTHWEST 7138. That would have been amazing wouldn’t it?

[@jovanholland36]

Yah

[@nicholasrestifo8421]

Anyone know the fate of G-CIVA??

[@LightningT55]

G-CIVA went to Teruel Spain 3/4/2020 for parting out or storage

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Nicholas Restifo CIVA flew to Teruel Spain in April, along with CIVR, CIVS, CIVT and CIVX. The view is that these will be unlikely to ever fly again sadly.....

[@nicholasrestifo8421]

@@HeathrowAircraft aw man :( I have photos of a few different BA 747s but CIVA was the only one I got to walk up to and tour when she was in Phoenix :( poor girl

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Nicholas Restifo I know it is v sad isn’t it. If it’s any consolation I filmed all 31 747s in my “complete British airways 747 fleet” box-set film so you can see G-CIVA at 3 minutes into the film? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIvRdKWkeKykabs

[@lightning1975]

Great stuff! However I think we’ll find Dunsfold covered in houses within the next few years. 😢

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@lightning 1975 Yes you are right. Apparently the new museum to be built is going to be to the south of the existing aerodrome - and G-CIVW will be stored there as a public exhibit. Until then it is to be used in filming...

[@sohanjobanputra3381]

@@HeathrowAircraft Will it retain its livery?

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@@sohanjobanputra3381 Yes it will. It is to stay in the BA Chatham Dockyard livery. Good news again!

[@RCT3Crashes100]

If houses were built on Dunsfold, anyone living there would have one heck of a local landmark to call their own! If I was given the option to live there (and had the cash to afford a new build), I definitely would 😄

[@JackKing12.]

Very sad to see BA removing the 747-400 😐...end of the day it's just business...

[@beechlad3541]

Goodnight 'Victor Whisky' :(

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Beech Lad...but at least not "goodbye" as we will hopefully get the chance to see her once she is installed in the new museum in a year or 2 time.....!

[@peanuts2105]

She will rot slowly at Dunsfold. The annoying thing is, they are all perfectly serviceable aircraft

[@HeathrowAircraft]

@Sky Bound. I hope that what we have been told remains the case; that for the next 2 years or so the aircraft will be outside and used for filming on ad hoc basis but that once the new museum is built on the south of the existing Aerodrome then it will become a public exhibition piece in the museum. Let’s see how it pans out ....