LONDON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - A British Airways jumbo jet has
found a new role as a film set, saving it from the scrap heap
where dozens of BA's other retired jumbos have ended up.
British Airways said that one of its 747s will fly to
Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, southern England, later on
Thursday, where the airport will preserve it as a commercial TV
and film set.
Blaming the coronavirus pandemic, BA said in July it would
have to retire its entire jumbo jet fleet, a source of huge
regret for aero-geeks and fans of the "Queen of the Skies", the
aircraft which brought long-haul flights to the masses.
The pandemic has brought financial ruin to the travel
industry. BA's owner IAG reported a 1.3 billion euro
loss earlier on Thursday and warned on future demand.
At Dunsfold, the 747 will form the backdrop for interior and
exterior shots and be used for training purposes, a BA statement
said, adding that in future it would be opened up as an
exhibition for visitors.
BA's last jumbos took off from Heathrow earlier in October,
the end of an era for the world's most easily recognised
jetliner with its humped fuselage, four engines and 16 main
wheels.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Giles Elgood)