Motion History: Project Utopia - British Airways' £60m Mistake
Documentary (2020)
Production:
Ruairidh Mac Veigh (Editor)
Ruairidh Mac Veigh (Writter)
Ruairidh Mac Veigh (Narrator)
British Airways, in a drive to become a 'world' airline rather than a British airline, embarked on an ambitious but ultimately misguided corporate rebranding, but one that would cost the carrier dearly in terms of reputation.
Also from this series:
Motion History
Before British Airways
Vickers VC10
Elegant BOAC's Golden Speedbird livery (1965-1973).
Negus & Negus era
New livery adopted on all the aircraft among previous BOAC, BEA, Northeast Airlines (UK) and Cambrian Airways fleets (1974-1984).
Boeing 747-236B
Lockheed L-1011-1 TriStar
Registration G-BBAG, c/n 1094. First flight October 1974, delivered to British Airways in December 1974, named Bridgewater Bay. Sold to Dragonair in March 1993, registered VR-HMW. Bought by Air Transat in October 1995, registered C-GTSX. Wfu at Mirabel, Montreal (CYMX/YMX) in September 2002.
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde 102
In 1980 Concorde of British Airways wore the modified Negus livery with enlarged 'British' lettering and 'airways' title dropped, that would be adopted progressively for the whole fleet in the forecoming year.
Landor era
Designed by Landor Associates this updated scheme was unveiled in December 1984 and adopted on the whole fleet (1984-1997).
Boeing 747-236B
Main tail fin registered either G-BDXM or G-BDXN (too blurry).
Background shows several other British Airways aircraft in Landor livery:
747 in the far background.
737-236.
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar.
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 ex British Caledonian in the foreground right.
Tail fin of G-BDXC, c/n 21240/305. First flight in April 1977. Delivered to British Airways in June 1977, named City of Manchester. On service till September 2001. Sold to European Aviation Air Charter in March 2002. Wfu at Glamorgan, Cardiff (EGFF/CWL). Same aircraft in other movies at IMPDb: Frequently Seen Aircraft (Civil Fixed-Wing).
2x Rolls-Royce RB211-524D4 of another 747 in the foreground.
Boeing 757-256
Too blurry to see the full registration (G-BIKx).
Foreground, tail fin of Boeing 737-33A of British Midland Airways, registered either G-OBMA, G-OBMB, G-OBMC or G-OBMD.
Foreground, another Boeing 757-256 of British Airways registered G-BIKW, c/n 23492/89. First flight February 1986, delivered to BA in March 1986, named Belvoir Castle. Sold to European Air Transport as OO-DPK and converted to freighter on March 2003. Leased to DHL Express in June 2003. Transfered to European Air Transport Leipzig (EAT Leipzig] in March 2010, on use again with DHL Express. Wfu at Costa Azahar, Castellón de la Plana,Spain (LECH/CDT) in December 2018.
Boeing 737-236
BAC 111-528 One-Eleven of British Airways in the foreground.
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-BNLC, c/n 23910/734. Delivered in October 1989 to British Airways, named City of Cardiff. Stored in October 2008. Wfu at Glamorgan, Cardiff (EGFF/CWL).
Boeing 747-436
McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30
Boeing 737-400
BAC 111-510ED One-Eleven
Background left with an Ilyushin Il-62 from Aeroflot.
At London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL).
Unknown bi-Jet aircraft in the far background left.
Olympic Airways Airbus A300 in the background. Unknown aircraft to the left.
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde 102
Utopia World tail / Newell & Sorrel era
Unveiled in June 1997 the basic template was by the UK agency Newell & Sorrell. The tail and rear fuselage was taken up with a variety of ethnic tail designs and special schemes from global artists designed to show BA as a global airline. (1997-1999)
Boeing 747-436 & Boeing 747-236B
Photoshopped British Airways publicity to promote the Utopia/World tail project.
From top to bottom:
1 - Boeing 747-436, Japan's Waves and Cranes (波と鶴) world tail by artist Matazō Kayama. Also known as Nami Tsuru. Nihonga painting of waves and cranes, symbolizing the cosmic world and the soul of Japan.
Livery applied on 14 different type of aircraft: G-BUSK, G-BVTJ, G-BGDJ, G-BKYP, G-ODUS, G-OGBA, ZS-NLN (Comair Ltd with BA livery), G-CIVM, G-CIVR, G-CIVX, G-BPEC, G-BZHC, G-VIIM, G-BODR.
2 - Boeing 747-236B never flew with this livery, England's Colour Down the Side world tail artist Terry Frost. Abstract Cornish painting by Frost in 1968.
Livery applied on a single aircraft: G-BRYT (Brymon Airways with BA Express livery).
3 - Boeing 747-236B never flew with this livery, Poland's Kogutki Lowickie world tail by artist Danula Wojda. Sometimes spelled Koguty Lowickie, meaning Cockerel of Lowicz. Based on paper cut-out of cockerels, peacocks and flower.
Livery applied on 9 different type of aircraft: G-BUSB, G-BGDG, G-DOCF, ZS-SBO (Comair Ltd with BA livery), G-BNLT, G-BPED, G-BRYW (Brymon Airways with BA Express livery), G-EMBC (BA CitiExpress livery), G-BNMT (Loganair with BA Express livery).
A unique variant "Flowers of Mazowsze" was applied to G-OGBC.
4 - Boeing 747-436 never flew with this livery, Egypt's Crossing Borders (عبر الحدود) world tail by artist Chant Avedissian. Reuse of Islamic and Pharaonic images and colour based on the decorations of the tentmakers of Cairo.
Livery applied on 4 different type of aircraft: G-BGDE, G-DOCT, G-BIKT, G-MSKO (Maersk Air with BA livery).
A variant of Crossing Borders was applied to G-MEDD (British Mediterranean Airways with BA livery).
5 - Boeing 747-436, Hong Kong's Rendezvous (约会) world tail by artist Yip Man-Yam. Chinese calligraphy of a poem describing water boiling.
Livery applied on 24 different type of aircraft: G-MEDB, G-BGJE, G-DOCM, G-DOCW, G-OAMS, G-BNLR, G-BYGD, G-BYGE, G-BYGG, G-CIVV, G-BIKI, G-BIKN, G-BMRE, G-BMRG, G-CPEU, G-CPEV, G-BNWC, G-BNWP, G-VIIT, G-ZZZC, G-BRYY (Brymon Airways with BA Express livery), G-MANO (British Regional Airlines with BA livery), OY-SVP (Sun Air of Scandinavia with BA livery), OY-SVZ (Sun Air of Scandinavia with BA livery).
6 - Boeing 747-436, South Africa's Ndebele Emmly world tail by artist Emmly Masanabo. Officially named Emmly Masanabo after the artist, who is of the Ndebele people. Based on a panel decorated with beads and mural-style painting; a similar panel was produced by the artist's twin sister Martha, commonly known as Ndebele Martha.
Livery applied on 4 different type of aircraft: G-BNLO, G-BIKC, G-BNWD, G-MSKL (Maersk Air with BA livery).
7 - Boeing 747-236B never flew with this livery, Ireland's Colum 1 world tail by artist Timothy O'Neill. Anglicized Irish for "Dove", a Celtic design to evoke the memory of St Columba.
Livery applied on 22 different type of aircraft with many pattern variants in 2 groups:
Colum 1: ZS-NZV (Comair Ltd with BA livery), G-BGDR, G-MSKB (Maersk Air with BA livery), G-BZAU (BA CityFlyer livery), G-BRYV (Brymon Airways with BA Express livery), G-EMBA (British Regional Airlines with BA CitiExpress livery).
Colum 2: G-BYTP (BA CityFlyer livery), G-DOCX, G-OGBB (GB Airways with BA livery), G-OMUC, G-BNLC, G-BYGB, G-CIVP, G-CPEP, G-BNWK, G-BNWV, G-VIIP, British Aerospace ATP OY-SVT]] (Sun Air of Scandinavia with BA livery), OY-SVO (Sun Air of Scandinavia with BA livery), G-MAJC (British Regional Airlines with BA livery), G-BJOP (Loganair with BA Express livery), G-BNMU (Loganair with BA Express livery).
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-BNLT, c/n 24630/842. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1991, named City of Lincoln.
Livery Poland's Kogutki Lowickie world tail in 1997 until 2002. Scrapped in 2014.
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-BNLZ, c/n 27091/964. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1993, named City of Perth.
Operated as British Asia Airways from March 1993 to September 1994.
Livery Botswana's Animals and trees (Kg'oocoan heé naka hìian theé e) world tail by artist Cg'ose Ntcox'o. Artist is of the Ncoakhoe People of the Kalahari Desert; depicts seven jackals at an oasis. Adopted in 1997 until 2003. Stored at Cotswold, Kemble (GBA/EGBP] in May 2015. Broken up 2016.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BMRH, c/n 24266/210. Delivered new to British Airways in February 1989, named Norwich Castle.
Livery Australia's Nalanji Dreaming world tail by The Balarinji Design Studio. Aboriginal art, originally designed in 1995 for Qantas and painted on a B747-300 aircraft VH-EBU. Nalanji means "our place". Environmental preservation theme. Adopted in 1998 until 2003. Sold to DHL Express in February 2004 after conversion to Freighter. Wfu at Barajas/Adolfo Suárez (LMED/MAD) in June 2018.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BMRF, c/n 24101/175. Delivered new to British Airways in May 1988, named Hever Castle.
Livery Australia's Water Dreaming (Ngapa Jukurrpa) world tail by artist Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Art representing northern Australian terrain. Adopted in 1998 until 2002. Sold to DHL Express in October 2002 after conversion to Freighter. Wfu at Castellón-Costa Azahar (CDT/LECH) in December 2018.
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-BNLS, c/n 24629/841 . Delivered new to British Airways in March 1991, named City of Chester.
Livery Australia's Wunala Dreaming world tail by The Balarinji Design Studio. Like Nalanji Dreaming (see G-BMRH above) , this livery was designed for Qantas in 1994 and appeared on two B747-400 aircraft: VH-OJB and VH-OEJ. Based on an original painting inspired by "the natural colors of Australia" and executed by the Yanyuwa people. The title translates to "Kangaroo Dreaming". Adopted in 1998 until 2003. Wfu at Glamorgan, Cardiff (EGFF/CWL) in September 2014.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BGDT, c/n 21807/710. Delivered new to British Airways in November 1980, named River Forth.
Livery Botswana's Animals and trees world tail adopted in 1997 until 2000. Sold to Comair Ltd in February 2001, operated as British Airways. Sold to Shaheen Air International in July 2009 as AP-BIU. Wfu in 2012.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BGDO, c/n 21803/677. Delivered new to British Airways in July 1980, named River Usk.Leased to GB Airways in April 1992.Return to British Airways in Marc 1995.
Livery Canada's Whale Rider world tail by artist Joe David. From wood carving representing the whaling tradition of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. Adopted in 1997 until 2000. Leased to Comair Ltd in September 2000 registered ZS-OKD, operated as British Airways. Sold to Shaheen Air International as AP-BIT in August 2009. Wfu in November 2012.
Boeing 737-4S3
Registration G-BUHL, c/n 25134/2083. First flight as N1799B in July 1991. Delivered to Malaysia Airlines in August 1991 registered 9M-MLH. Leased to British Airways as G-BUHL in March 1993. Leased to GB Airways in March 1996.
Livery Denmark's Wings (Vinger) world tail by artist Per Arnoldi. Modernist representation of seagulls in flight. Adopted in 1998 until 2001. Leased to Futura International Airways in July 2002 registered EC-IHI, charted by EasyJet Switzerland in August 2003. Purchased by Aviation Capital Group in January 2005 registered N134AA. Leased by AdamAir as PK-KKG in February 2005. Return to Aviation Capital Group as N534AG in April 2008 and leased to Citylink as PK-GCA. Back to Aviation Capital Group as N833AC in February 2014. Sold to Dau Global Investments in November 2014.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BIKT, c/n 23398/77. Delivered new to British Airways in November 1985, named Caisbrooke Castle.
Livery Egypt's Crossing Borders (عبر الحدود) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2002. Sold to European Air Transport and leased to DHL Express in October 2003 after conversion to Freighter. Transfered to
European Air Transport Leipzig as D-ALEG and leased to DHL Express in March 2010. Purchased by
DHL Express in April 2018, re-registerd G-BIKT.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BKYB, c/n 23160/1053 . Delivered new to British Airways in September 1984, named River Stour.
Livery England's Blue Poole world tail by artist Sally Tuffin. Taken from a dish and vase designed by Tuffin for Poole. Adopted in 1998 until 2000. Bought by Pegasus Aviation as N950PG in September 2000. Leased to Aerolíneas Argentinas in December 2000 registered LV-ZXC. Stored in November 2009. Leased to Lineas Aéreas del Sur in January 2011. Returned to Pegasus Aviation in December 2013, registered N631SH. Wfu at Executive Airport, Miami - Opa Locka (KOPF/OPF), USA in September 2014.
De Havilland Canada DHC-8-314 Dash 8
Reg. G-BRYT, c/n 334. Built in 1992, first flight in July, registered C-GFEN. Delivered to Contact Air Interregional as D-BKIR in October 1992. Transfered to GPA in November 1996. Sold to Brymon Airways in March 1997 as G-BRYT with BA Express livery.
Livery England's Colour Down the Side world tail adopted in 1997 until 2003. Transfered to BA CitiExpress in March 2002. Sent to Avmax as C-GZOU in October 2003, then sold to Air Southwest as G-WOWB. Transfered to Eastern Airways in December 2010. Bought by Air Inuit in March 2012, registered C-FEAI.
McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Registration F-GPZA, c/n 49943/1887. Delivered new to GPA Group in July 1991, registered EI-CBX. Leased to Private Jet Expeditions in December 1991. Leased to Sunways in March 1995, registered TC-INA. Returned to GPA Group as EI-CBX in November 1997. Leased to Air Liberté as F-GPZA in March 1998.
Livery France's La Pyramide du Louvre world tail. One aircraft painted with image of central courtyard of Louvre museum. Adopted from 1998 until 2001. Transfered to Air Lib in October 2001. Leased to JetsGo as C-GKLE in July 2003. Stored in March 2005 after having been purchased by GECAS. Re-registered N943MT in July 2005. Leased to Austral Líneas Aéreas as LV-DBE in October 2005. Returned to GECAS as N375MS in December 2011. Stored at Pinal Airpark Marana (KMZJ/MZJ), USA.
Boeing 737-3L9
Registration D-ADBH, c/n 27336/2587. Delivered new to Maersk Air in March 1994 registered OY-MAO. Leased to Deutsche BA as D-ADBH in December 1995, named Otto Lilienthal.
Livery Germany's Bavaria (Edelweiss) world tail. German Art. Adopted in 1998 until 2001. Leased to Go Fly in February 2001 with Go Fly.com / Click And Go markings, registered G-IGOS. Transfered to EasyJet after merge in this company in July 2002. Acquired by GECAS in July 2006, leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle as LN-KKT. Returned to GECAS in July 2011, registered N308MS. Leased to Sriwijaya Air in August 2011, registered PK-CKK named Kejujuran. Wfu in July 2017. Preserved Yuntaishan, Anhui, China Jun as tea restaurant 2018.
Boeing 737-31S
Registration D-ADBM, c/n 29057/2942 . Delivered new to Deutsche BA in October 1997, owned by DSF.
Livery Germany's Gothic (Calligraphy) world tail. German Art. Adopted in 1997 until 2003. Transfered to Dba in 2003. Transfered to Thomson Fly as G-THOG in March 2005, rebranded Thomson Airways in March 2009. Sold to Air Contractors as EI-STA in March 2010, with Europe Airpost colours. Returned to Air Contractors in April 2015. Transfered to ASL Airlines Ireland in May 2015, named Annalise Murphy. Leased to Aer Lingus in July 2018. Sold to KlasJet as LY-CHF in October 2019.
Boeing 737-36Q
Registration G-OFRA, c/n 29327/3023. Delivered new to British Airways in May 1998, owned by Boullioun Aviation Services.
Livery Germany's Sterntaler (Bauhaus) world tail of artist Antje Brüggemann. Based on 3-D 'ceramic objects' art. Adopted in 1998 until 2001. Leased to Go Fly in May 2002, with Go Forever / PreGo markings. Transfered to EasyJet in July 2002. Sold to Aviation Capital Group in May 2005 and leased to Thomson Fly as G-THOI. Leased to WebJet Linhas Aereas as PR-WJN in May 2009. Wfu at Miami (KMIA/MIA) in November 2012. Returned to Aviation Capital Group in January 2013 and stored at Victorville, CA (KVCV/VCV) in September 2013 with registration N293AG. Sold to Star Air as ZS-TGB in July 2015. Chartered by Mango in September 2015. Returned to Star Air in July 2016. Chartered by LAM Linhas Aereas Mocambique in October 2018. Returned to Star Air in April 2019. Stored in April 2022. Sold to Karun Airlines as EP-JIB in May 2022.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BGJE, c/n 23160/1053 . Delivered new to British Airtours in March 1980. Transfered to British Airways in 1988, named River Wear.
Livery Hong Kong's Rendezvous (约会) world tail adopted in 1997 until 2000. Sold to South African Airways in January 2001 registered ZS-SIU, and leased to Safair. Leased to Gambia International Airways in November 2004. Sold to ICARO in March 2006, registered HC-CFL.
Boeing 747-236B
Registration G-BDXO, c/n 23799/677. First flight in April 1987 as N8055X, delivered the same month as G-BDXO City of Bath to British Airways.
Livery India's Paithani (पैठणी) world tail of artist Meera Mehta. Based on a sari designed by Mehta using traditional motifs from the textile industry in Paithan. Features 'asavari' creeper border with flowering shrubs and parrots. Adopted in 1998 until 2001. Stored at Cardiff Airport (EGFF/CWL), Mojave (KMHV/MHV), and Manston - Kent International (MSE / EGMH / EGUM) until December 2003, bought by European Aircharter. Broken up at Schiphol Amsterdam (EHAM/AMS] in October 2005.
Fokker 100
Several Fokker 100 of Air Liberté wore this livery when the company was a subsidiary of British Airways.
Livery International's L'esprit Liberté world tail celebrating human rights movement. Adopted in 1999 until 2001.
Boeing 737-436
Registration G-DOCX, c/n 25857/2451. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1993.
Livery Ireland's Colum 2 (Dove) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2003. Bought Automatic LLC in March 2016, registered N857NX, then Aero Acquisitions LLC as N257AJ in April 2017. Converted to freighter in November 2018. Leased to Cardig Air as PK-DJK in April 2020. Sold to My Indo Airlines in October 2021, registered PK-MYJ Al-Mi'Raj.
Boeing 737-36Q
Registration G-ODUS, c/n 28659/2880. Delivered new to Deutsche BA as D-ADBX in May 1997, owned by Boullioun Aviation Services. Leased to British Airways as G-ODUS in July 1998.
Livery Japan's Waves and Cranes (波と鶴) world tail adopted from 1997 to 2002. Leased to Go Fly with Go On Then / Raring To Go markings in March 2002. Transfered to EasyJet in July 2002. Leased to ThomsonFly as G-THOJ in April 2006. Wfu in September 2008. Leased to Dniproavia as UR-DNJ in October 2008. Winglets fitted in 2011. Transfered to Aerosvit Airlines in June 2011, then to Ukraine International Airlines as UR-GBD in April 2013. stored at Billund (EKBI/BLL), Denmark in December 2018.
Boeing 777-236/ER
Registration either G-RAES of G-VIIU.
Livery Netherlands's Delftblue Daybreak (Delftsblauwe Dageraad) world tail by artist Hugo Kaagman. Delft pottery design. Uses "the traditions of the past and (modernises) them for the future". Adopted in 1998 until 2005.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BGDG, c/n 24630/842. Delivered new to British Airways in April 1980, named River Medway.
Livery Poland's Kogutki Lowickie world tail in 1997 until 1998. Sold to Pegasus Aviation in April 1998, registered N921PG. Leased to Aerolíneas Argentinas as LV-ZEC in April 1998. Wfu in November 2009.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BIKY, c/n 23533/93. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1986, named Leeds Castle.
Livery Romania's Spring (Primāvara) world tail by artist Morag Dumetru. Images of Romania. Winner of employee contest. Adopted in 1998 until 2002. Sold to European Air Transport as OO-DPN and leased to DHL Express in September 2003 after conversion to Freighter. Transfered to European Air Transport Leipzig as D-ALEK and leased to DHL Express in March 2010. Wfu at Costa Azahar, Castellón de la Plana (Valencia) (LECH/CDT] in December 2018.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BIKH, c/n 22179/24. Delivered new to British Airways in October 1983, named Richmond Castle.
Livery Russia's Golden Khokhloma world tail by artist Taisia Akimovna Belyantzeva. Officially Kudrina from Semenov (Сеmёновская кудриа). Based on painted khokhloma decoration on tableware set by Belyantzeva in 1978. Adopted in 1998 until 2001. Leased to European Air Transport as OO-DLP in January 2002 after conversion to Freighter. Transfered to European Air Transport Leipzig as D-ALED in March 2010. Sold to DHL Express in July 2017, re-registered G-BIKH.
Boeing 737-436
Registration G-GBTA, c/n 25859/2532. Delivered new to British Airways as G-BVHA in November 1993. Re-registered G-BGTA named County of Middlesex in February 1994.
Livery Saudi Arabia's Youm al-Suq (Market Day) world tail by artist Shadia Alem. Abstract inspired by Arab life on market day. Adopted in 1998 until 2005. Bought Automatic LLC and converted to Freighter in October 2015, registered N859AU. Sold to Atlantic Airlines in July 2017, registered G-JMCB. Sold to SwiftAir S.A. in October 2020, registered EC-NML.
Boeing 757-236
Registration either G-BIKL or G-BIKO.
Livery Scotland's Benyhone (Mountain of the Birds) world tail by artist Peter MacDonald. Anglicized Gaelic for "Mountain of the Birds", a Scottish tartan design using colours from William Wilson & Son of Bannockburn. Adopted in 1998 until 2001.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BIKC, c/n 22174/11. Delivered new to British Airways in January 1983, named Edinburgh Castle.
Livery South Africa's Ndebele Emmly world tail adopted in 1998 until 2001. Converted to freighter in January 2001, leased to DHL Express in March 2002. Wfu at Madrid Barajas / Adolfo Suárez (LEMD/MAD) in January 2016.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BGDA, c/n 21790/599. First flight in September 1979, registered N1285E. Delivered new to British Airways in December 1981, named River Tamar.
Livery South Africa's Ndebele Martha world tail by artist Martha Masanabo. Officially named Martha Masanabo after the artist, who is of the Ndebele people. Based on a panel decorated with beads and mural-style painting; a similar panel was produced by the artist's twin sister Emmly, commonly known as Ndebele Emmly. Adopted in 1997 until 2001. Sold to South African Airways in April 2001, registered ZS-SIT. Transfered to Safair and leased to Air Namibia in July 2004, as V5-AND. Returned to Safair as ZS-SIT again and leased to Interlink Airlines Pty in June 2008. Returned to Safair in January 2009. Leased to Africa Charter Airline in 2010. Leased to Cobra Airlines in April 2018.
Boeing 737-436
Registration G-DOCE, c/n 25350/2167. Delivered new to British Airways in November 1991 named River Alness.
Livery Sweden's Blomsteräng (Flower Field) world tail by artist Ulrica Hydman Vallien. Artist works for a glassware manufacturer in Småland. This design is taken from a large glass bowl with a hearts and flowers theme. Adopted in 1998 until 2005. Withdrawn from use at Southern California Logistics, Victorville (KVCV/VCV), USA on January 2014.
Boeing 737-436
Registration G-DOCR, c/n 25851/2387. Delivered new to British Airways in November 1992 named River Tavy.
Livery United States's Waves of the City world tail by artist Jenifer Kobylarz. Simple and modern abstract art meant to "convey a sense of frozen motion". Adopted in 1999 until 2004. Sold to Air One in October 2005, registered EI-DMR. Leased to Mistal Air, operated by Trawel Fly in May 2011. Broken up at Bournemouth (EGHH/BOH) in 2014.
Airbus A320-211
Registration G-BUSI, c/n 103. First flight in February 1990, registered F-WWDB. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1990, named Isle of Anglesey.
Livery United Kingdom's British Blend world tail by Simon Baldwin. Coffee cup design, result of children's contest in the Sunday Times which was won by a 12-year-old, Simon Baldwin, from Middlesborough. "British Blend" depicts "Britain in a teacup", featuring an English rose, a Scottish thistle, a Welsh dragon and an Irish harp. Adpoted for a few months (Dec.97 to June 98). Stored at Pyrénées Tarbes / Lourdes (LFBT/LDE) France in October 2011. Broken up in 2013.
Boeing 737-236/Adv
Registration G-BKYG, c/n 23165/1064. Delivered new to British Airways in November 1984, named River Exe. Transfered to British Airways Birmingham with specific markings from 1993 to 1997. A short life livery was adopted in 1997: United Kingdom's Pause to remember. Poppy design, used around Remembrance Day. Now applied to fuselage.
Livery United Kingdom's British Olympic Team (Teaming up for Britain) world tail by Mark Pickthall. Adopted for 2000 Summer Olympics, features British Olympic Association lion logo designed by Pickthall for Ion River Design. Adopted for few months only in 1998. Sold to Pegasus Aviation in December 1998, registered N926PG. Leased to AeroPerú in the last days of 1998, registered OB-1715. Leased to Access Air in June 1999, registered N625AC. Leased to EuroSun as TC-ESC in June 2000. Returned to Pegasus Aviation (Sky Holdings) in January 2002, re-registered N926PG. Scrapped in 2011.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BMRJ, c/n 24268/214. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1989, named Old Wardour Castle, immediately leased to Caledonian Airways (1988). Returned to British Airways in October 1990.
Livery United Kingdom's Grand Union world tail by artist Christine Bass. Result of a Sunday Times competition. Based on traditional English canal boat art from walks Bass has taken with her family along the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire. Adopted in 1998 until 2002. Converted to freighter in December 2002 and sold to DHL Express. Leased to TCA Tasman Cargo Airlines in August 2010. Returned to DHL Express in November 2011.
Boeing 757-236
Registration G-BIKW, c/n 23492/89. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1986, named Belvoir Castle. Livery South Africa's Ndebele Martha world tail in 1998 and few months of 1999.
Livery United Kingdom's Pause to remember. Poppy design, used around Remembrance Day. Now applied to fuselage.
Adopted in 1999 until 2000. Converted to freighter in May 2003 and sold to DHL Express, registered OO-DPK. Leased to TCA Tasman Cargo Airlines in August 2010. Returned to DHL Express in November 2011. Transfered to European Air Transport Leipzig as D-ALEH in March 2010, operated by DHL Express. Wfu at Costa Azahar Castellón de la Plana (LECH/CDT), Spain (Valencia) in December 2018.
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde 102
Reg. G-BOAC, c/n 204. First flight in February 1975. Delivered to British Airways in February 2016. Leased to Braniff International Airways registered N81AC between January 1979 until May 1980. Registration only applied on domestic portion of flights.
Livery United Kingdom's Chatham Dockyard Union Flag . Introduced on Concorde for relaunch, now the livery for entire fleet. Adopted in 1998. Wfu at Ringway International Manchester (EGCC/MAN) in October 2003.
Already met on this site:IMPDb: Frequently Seen Aircraft (Civil Fixed-Wing).
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde 102
Boeing 767-336/ER
Registration G-BNWU, c/n 25829/4837. Delivered new to British Airways in March 1993 named Robert Burns.
Livery Sweden's Blomsteräng (Flower Field) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2004. Broken up at Southern California Logistics, Victorville (KVCV/VCV), USA on May 2014.
Boeing 737-436
Registration G-DOCT, c/n 25853/409. Delivered new to British Airways in December 1992, named River Tene.
Livery Egypt's Crossing Borders (عبر الحدود) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2002. Stored at Southern California Logistics, Victorville (KVCV/VCV), USA on December 2014. Bought by Automatic Leasing in October 2015, registered N853AT. Leased to Titan Airways as G-POWS in January 2018 until October 2018. Converted to freighter in July 2019. On service for Titan Airways.
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-BNLM, c/n 24055/795. First flight in June 1990, registered N6009F. Delivered new to British Airways in June 1990, named City of Durham.
Livery South Africa's Ndebele Martha world tail adopted in 1997 until 2001. Broken up at Southern California Logistics, Victorville (KVCV/VCV), USA on December 2013.
In the background, Boeing 767-375/ER of Canadian Airlines.
Another 747-436 from British Airways to the left.
Boeing 737-3L9
Registration D-ADBE, c/n 27336/2587. Delivered new to Maersk Air in September 1989, registered OY-MMD (owned by CIT Leasing]. Leased to Air Europa in April 1992, registered EC-996, then EC-FMS in July 1992. Leased to Deutsche BA as D-ADBE in October 1992.
Livery Germany's Sterntaler (Bauhaus) world tail adopted in 1997. Leased to Transavia in February June 1998 with Transavia markings and Sterntaler livery. Returned to Maersk Air (CIT Leasing) in January 1999. Sent to Frontier Airlines as N312FL in May 1999 (CIT Leasing). Delivered to AdamAir (CIT Leasing) as PK-KKR in June 2005. Ceased operations in March 2008. Sold to Citilink as PK-CGA in 2008. Bought by Aviation Capital Group in February 2014, registered N832AC.
Airbus A321-231 from Lufthansa to the right.
Registration D-AIDO, c/n 4994. First flight in January 2012, registered D-AZAJ. Delivered new to Lufthansa in January 2012.
Boeing 747-436
Registration G-CIVY, c/n 28853/1178. Delivered new to British Airways in September 1998.
Livery Canada's Whale Rider world tail adopted in 1997 until 2000. Wfu at RAF St Athan (EGSY/DGX], UK in October 2020.
Tail fin of Boeing 737 from Transaero Airlines in the foreground left.
Tail fin of Airbus A321-131 from Lufthansa in the foreground right. Registration D-AIRN, c/n 560. First flight in October 1995. Delivered new to Lufthansa in December 1995 as D-AIRN, named Kaiserslautern. Stored at Ferenc Liszt International (LHBP/BUD), Budapest in July 2020.
Airbus A320-211
Registration G-BUSC, c/n 8. First flight in December 1987, registered F-WWDE. Cancelled order by British Caledonian Airways as G-BRSB, delivered to British Airways in June 1988, named Isle of Skye.
Livery United Kingdom's British Olympic Team (Teaming up for Britain) world tail adopted in 1997 until 2001. Withdrawn from use in October 2007. Broken up at Municipal Goodyear - Phoenix (KGYR/GYR), USA in March 2008.
Airbus A320-111
Registration G-BUSB, c/n 6. First flight in September 1987, registered F-WWDD. Ordered by British Caledonian Airways as G-BRSA but delivered as G-BUSB in March 1988. Transferred to British Airways in April 1988, named Isle of Jersey.
Livery Poland's Kogutki Lowickie world tail in 1998 until 2001. Withdrawn from use in December 2007 at Municipal Goodyear - Phoenix (KGYR/GYR), USA in March 2008.
Airbus A320-211
Registration G-BUSJ, c/n 109. First flight in June 1990, registered F-WWIC. Delivered new to British Airways in August 1990, named Isle of Sark.
Livery Australia's Water Dreaming (Ngapa Jukurrpa) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2003. Operated for GB Airways in March 2005. Returned to British Airways in October 2005. Wfu at Marcel Dassault-Deols, Chateauroux (LFLX/CHR), France in August 2012.
Airbus A320-231
Registration G-MEDA, c/n 480. First flight in May 1994, registered F-WWDU. Bought by ORIX Aviation (WTC Wilmington Trust Company) in August 1994, registered N480RX. Leased as G-MEDA to British Mediterranean Airways in October 1994, operated for and with British Airways livery.
Livery Canada's Whale Rider world tail adopted in 1997 until 2006. Leased to Indian Airlines in May 2006, registered VT-EYL. Transferred to Air India after merge of the 2 companies in February 2011. Stored at Tarbes / Lourdes Pyrénées, [LFBT/LDE] France in July 2011. Leaded by ORIX Aviation to Kam Air October 2011, registered YA-KMA named City of Kabul. Leased to Aseman Airlines in May 2015. Wfu/Stored at Mehrabad International, Tehran (OIII/THR] in July 2019.
De Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 Dash 8
Registration G-BRYU, c/n 458. First flight in October 1996, registered C-GFEN. Cancelled order of Pelangi Airways (9M-PGA). Delivered new to Brymon Airways in April 1998, operated for British Airways until 2002.
Livery Scotland's Benyhone (Mountain of the Birds) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2006.
Transferred to BA CitiExpress in March 2002 with the same livery, then to BA Connect in February 2006. Sold to Medavia as 9H-AFD in January 2008. Chartered by Athens Airways in May 2009. Return to Medavia in October 2009. Chartered again by Athens Airways in February 2010, the return to Medavia in June 2010.
De Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 Dash 8
Registration G-BRYV, c/n 462. First flight in February 1997, registered C-GFHZ. Cancelled order of Pelangi Airways (9M-PGB). Delivered new to Brymon Airways in April 1998, operated for British Airways until 2002.
Livery Ireland's Colum 1 (Dove) world tail adopted in 1998 until 2003.
Transferred to BA CitiExpress in March 2002 with the same livery, then to BA Connect in February 2006. Sold to Flybe in March 2007. Withdrawn from use in July 2007. Sold to Air Tanzania in February 2008. Written off in April 2009 after accident in Kigoma, Tanzania.
British Aerospace Avro 146-RJ100
Registration G-BZAT, c/n E3320. First flight in December 1997, registered G-6-320. Delivered new to CityFlyer Express in January 1998 operating with British Airways colours, registered G-BZAT.
Livery United States's Waves of the City world tail adopted in 1998 until 2005. Would become BA CityFlyer in 2002. Stored in October 2009. Sold to Asian Express Airlines in December 2012, registered EY-573. Sold to Qeshm Air in February 2016.
At Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaule / Paris-Charles de Gaule Airport (CDG/LFPG) in front of the Sofitel, changed to Mercure nowadays.
Union Flag era
Based upon Chatham Dockyard Union Flag Utopia World tail, initially applied only to Concorde, an Union flag enlarged and raised higher on the tail became the standard BA tail livery after the phased withdrawal of all other Utopia tails. From 2000, this livery was adopted for all aircraft of the fleet remaining in Landor colours (half of the fleet).
Various Aircraft
British Airways aircraft in Union Flag tail livery.
From left to right.
1 - Unidentified under catering lorry on the left, Boeing 777 might be.
2 - Boeing 747-436, unknown registration.
3 - Boeing 777-336/ER. Registered G-STBA, c/n 40542/879. Powered by 2x General Electric GE90-115B engines. Delivered new in July 2010.
4 - Boeing 777-336/ER, unknown registration.
5 - Boeing 777-236/ER. Registered G-YMMG, c/n 30308/301. Powered by 2x Rolls-Royce Trent 895 engines. Delivered new in September 2000.
6 - Boeing 747-436. Registered G-CIVM, c/n 28700/1116. Delivered in June 1997. Adopted full OneWorld livery from June 2007 to April 2014. Ferried to RAF St Athan (EGSY/DGX), UK in March 2020. Broken up in September 2020.
To the right:
7 - Boeing 747-436. Registered G-CIVK, c/n 25818/1104. Delivered in February 1997. Adopted full OneWorld livery in 2009. Wfu in September 2020.
Various Aircraft
British Airways Union Flag tails.
From left to right.
1 - Boeing 777, unknown registration.
2 - Boeing 747-436, unknown registration.
3 - Boeing 747-436. Registered G-CIVR, c/n 25820/1146. Delivered new in March 1989. Stored at Plataforma Aeroportuaria, Teruel (LETL/TEV) Spain in March 2020.
4 - Boeing 747-436. Registered G-CIVH, c/n 25809/1078. Named City of Hereford. Delivered new in April 1996. Stored in March 2020.
5 - Boeing 747-436. Registered G-BYGB, c/n 28856/1194. Delivered new in January 1999.Colum tail scheme until August 2009. Stored at Cotswold, Kemble (EGBP/GBA) UK in September 2020. Broken up in July 20121.
6 - Boeing 777-236/ER. Registered G-YMMF, c/n 30307/281. Delivered new in May 2000.
Boeing 747-436
From left to right:
1 - Registered G-BYGB already listed above.
2 - Registered G-CIVN, c/n 28848/1129. Delivered new in September 1997. Stored at Cotswold, Kemble (EGBP/GBA) UK in April 2020.
3 - Registered G-BNLS already listed above.
4 - Registered G-CIVW, c/n 25822/1157. Delivered new in September 1997. Wfu as a film set at RAF Dunsfold (EGTD) UK in October 2020.
5 - Unknown registration.
6 - Unknown registration.
Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde 102
The "Union Flag" Challengers
The adoption of Utopia/world tail livery was seen as a move away from the traditional British image of the carrier. This rebranding was unpopular with many traditionalists in the UK.
Virgin Atlantic tried to took advantage of the controversy by applying a Union flag and slogan Britain's Flag Carrier scheme to the front end of its aircraft. In their own 1999 relaunch, the flag was also applied to the vertical winglets of Virgin Atlantic's aircraft.
Boeing 747-41R
Registration G-VAST, c/n 28757/1117. Delivered new to Virgin Atlantic Airways in July 1997. Wfu at RAF St Athan (EGSY/DGX], UK in July 2020.
Airbus A340-311
British Airways response to the emergence of low-cost carriers in the airline market, Go Fly was launched as in 1998 as a wholly owned subsidiary to compete Ryanair , EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Boeing 737-36Q
Registration G-IGOB, c/n 28660/2883. Delivered new to Air Europa in May 1997, registered EC-GNU named Canarias (owned by Boullioun Aviation Services). Leased to Go Fly in December 2001, registered G-ICOB with Go Med Blue / Mi Amigo/Go Fiesta titles. Transfered to EasyJet after purchased of Go Fly in July 2002. Leased to ThomsonFly in April 2006, registered G-THOK. Leased to WebJet Linhas Aereas in July 2009, registered PR-WJM, but ceased operations in November 2012. Purchased by Aviation Capital Group as N660AG in February 2013. Leased to VivaAerobus in March 2013, registered XA-VIW. Returned to Aviation Capital Group in June 2010. Leased to Air Peace in January 2017, registered 5N-BUO.
Various Aircraft
Historic competitor American Airlines at one of its ten hubs Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX). All aircraft in Red, White & Blue livery (1968-2013).
1 - Boeing 767-223/ER or 323/ER.
2 - Boeing 767-223/ER or 323/ER.
3 - Bombardier CRJ-200ER or CRJ-700ER of American Eagle.
4 - Boeing 777-223/ER or 323/ER.
5 - Unidentified.
6 - Unidentified.
Centenary Retrojets
In 2019 British Airways announced it would apply special retro colours to several of its fleet showcasing liveries from its past modified to fit newer aircraft plus with additional 100 years logos.
Boeing 747-436
2019 BOAC retro livery.
Registration G-BYGC, c/n 25823/1195. Delivered new to British Airways in January 1999 wearing Utopia/world tail livery Chelsea Rose. Special BOAC retro livery adopted in March 2019. Withdrawn from use at RAF St Athan (EGSY/DGX) UK in December 2020, for preservation by eCube.
Taxiing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR/EGLL).
Boeing 747-436
2019 Negus retro livery.
Registration G-CIVB, c/n 25811/1018. Delivered new to British Airways in February 1994 as G-CIVB, named City of Lichfield wearing Landor colours. Temporary tail painting and markings of the International Children Conférence in 1995. Transferred to British Asia Airways in late 1999, adopting new Utopia/world tail livery Chelsea Rose.
Returned as British Airways with new Union Flag livery in late 2003. Special Negus retro livery adopted in March 2019. Stored at Cotswold, Kemble (EGBP/GBA) UK in October 2020 for preservation as a cinema and cultural center.
Boeing 747-436
2019 Landor retro livery.
Registration G-BNLY, c/n 27090/959. First flight in January 1993, registered N60659. Delivered new to British Airways in February 1993 as G-BNLY, named City of Swansea wearing Landor colours. Adopted Union Flag livery in 2002. Special Landor retro livery adopted in 2019. Stored and preserved at RAF Dunsfold Aerodrome (EGTD) UK in May 2020 for static display.
Taxiing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK).
Airbus A319-131
2019 BEA red square retro livery.
Registration G-EUPJ, c/n 1232. First flight in April 2000, registered D-AVYJ. Delivered new to British Airways in May 2000 with Union Flag livery. Special BEA retro livery adopted in 2019.
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See also
- Motion History
- Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde
- Airbus A320 family
- Airbus A340
- ATR 42
- BAC One-Eleven
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 747
- Boeing 757
- Boeing 767
- Boeing 777
- Bombardier CRJ100/200
- Bombardier CRJ700/900/1000
- British Aerospace BAe 146
- De Havilland Canada DHC-8
- Fokker 70/100
- Hawker Siddeley HS.748
- Ilyushin Il-62
- Lockheed L-1011 TriStar
- McDonnell Douglas DC-10
- McDonnell Douglas MD-80
- Aeroflot
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- British Airways
- British Airways Express
- British European Airways
- British Overseas Airways Corporation
- British Midland Airways
- Brymon Airways
- Canadian Airlines
- Deutsche BA
- Lufthansa
- Olympic Airways
- Virgin Atlantic Airways