A B747 aircraft belonging to British Airways is to be used as a TV and film set, following the airline’s retirement of its jumbo fleet earlier this month.
The aircraft, registration G-CIVW, travelled from Cardiff airport to its new home in Dunsfold Aerodrome yesterday – an airfield in Surrey frequently used for filming purposes, including the recording of BBC’s Top Gear.
The retired aircraft will retain its Chatham Dockyard livery, and will be used to mock up interior and exterior shots for TV and film. It will also be used as a training facility.
The airfield also plans to open up the Queen of the Skies to the public in the future, with an exhibition for visitors to experience the aircraft up close.
Jim McAllister, chief executive at Dunsfold Aerodrome, commented:
“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.”
The G-CIVW aircraft entered the British Airways fleet in 1998 and operated 11,424 flights before its final commercial flight from Boston to Heathrow in March 2020.
British Airways bid farewell to the last of its B747 Heathrow fleet earlier this month, following the decision in July to retire the jumbo aircraft as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
