The Empire strikes back

BOAC or the British Overseas Airways Corporation began in  November 1939 from the merger of Imperial Airways and British Airways Ltd. With the current British Airways celebrating its 100th year the company have produced three retro schemes (three on 747’s and one BEA livery on an Airbus 319). Having grown up in the 60’s the BOAC marked Boeing 747-436 G-BYGC is undeniably my favourite. It appeared at RIAT 2020 in the summer in formation with the Red Arrows but it was only a matter of time before I managed a Heathrow shot from Myrtle Avenue.

The first image is now available in A3 or A4 sizes mounted and framed from this website.

Luck is very much a large part of aviation photography although “prior planning” can significantly improve your chances of the photographs you desire. It was pure luck that two of the BA retro schemes were returning to Heathrow yesterday afternoon on runway 27L and that the sun appeared when the 747 was on long finals.

747-436  G-CIVB has been given the Negus retro livery and is seen here on approach earlier in the afternoon. This image is available on our website.

The recent announcement that Airbus has stopped A380 production will mean I have to take every chance to capture them. Here a Singapore Airlines on approach.

Dark clouds and a shaft of sunlight make this DHL Airbus A-300 D-AEAL stand out. Who says freighters are boring.

BA Airbus A321neo arrives over the approach lights. Note the tall wing tip extensions!