– Enthusiasts and aviation insiders gathered at London Heathrow to witness the arrival of a British Airways Boeing 747 resplendent in the legendary British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) livery, marking a highlight in the airline’s centenary festivities.
As part of British Airways’ commitment to honoring its storied legacy, the Boeing 747 underwent a meticulous transformation at the IAC paint facility in Dublin. The aircraft’s contemporary Chatham Dockyard colors were replaced with the classic BOAC livery, which originally adorned the fleet from 1964 to 1974, evoking the golden age of jet travel.
British Airways’ then-Chairman and CEO, Alex Cruz, remarked: “The overwhelming enthusiasm for this heritage project underscores the deep connection many feel with our brand’s history. Celebrating our centenary by bringing back this iconic look is a privilege, and we’re excited to share more heritage moments as additional retro liveries enter our fleet.”
Following its restoration, the BOAC-liveried 747 made a ceremonial flight from Dublin to Heathrow, operating as flight BA100, drawing admiration from both travelers and staff. The aircraft’s subsequent journey took it to New York JFK as BA117, retracing the very route the BOAC 747 inaugurated in its original era.
This 747 continued to operate key long-haul routes, captivating passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike during British Airways’ 100th anniversary. For those eager to catch a glimpse, the aircraft could be tracked in real-time on Flight Radar, which featured an exclusive icon showcasing the heritage livery.
The BOAC livery remained a fixture on the 747 until the aircraft’s retirement in 2023, ensuring countless travelers experienced this living piece of aviation history. By the time the final 747s left the fleet, British Airways had completed the transition to next-generation aircraft, including the environmentally advanced Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, each offering enhanced cabins and sustainable features. These investments, totaling over £6.5 billion, reaffirmed British Airways’ dedication to delivering world-class service for the modern traveler.