Newly-restored Concorde is back on display in New York City.
Concorde on display in New York (Photo: Intrepid Museum)
The iconic Concorde, the only supersonic commercial airliner to ever see regular passenger service, is preparing for a grand return to its home at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. After a seven-month restoration project, the retired British Airways Concorde – registered as G-BOAD – will be back on public display.
The supersonic jet departed Pier 86 on Manhattan’s west side in August 2023 for a comprehensive restoration at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Museum officials prioritized preserving the aircraft’s exterior for future generations. Extensive sanding and repainting were undertaken to restore the Concorde’s signature white paint job and the classic British Airways livery.
The Concorde supersonic jet headed back to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum this morning #NYC pic.twitter.com/dstmiXJb68
— Max Guliani (@maximusupinNYc) March 14, 2024
The Intrepid Museum acquired the aircraft in 2003, and it quickly became a popular attraction. Public tours will resume on April 4, allowing visitors to explore the luxurious passenger cabin, marvel at the supersonic engineering marvels in the cockpit, and learn about the history of this groundbreaking aircraft.
The return of the Concorde promises more than just a static display. It holds a special place in the Intrepid Museum’s collection, representing a pinnacle of human achievement in aviation history. In 1976, the Concorde entered transatlantic service with Air France and British Airways, becoming the world’s first and, for many years, only operational supersonic passenger jet.
The aircraft boasted a nine-person crew and a cruising speed of Mach 2.04 (1,350 mph, 2,150 kph). It soared at a staggering 60,000 feet (18,181 meters), allowing its 100 passengers a glimpse of the Earth’s curvature – a unique experience for commercial air travel. The Concorde holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger aircraft, clocking in at an awe-inspiring 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds from London Heathrow to New York-JFK in 1996. This record still stands today.
Beyond the restored aircraft itself, the Intrepid Museum plans a range of educational programs to complement the Concorde’s return. Visitors can expect to delve deeper into the science and technology behind supersonic flight through interactive exhibits. These programs will bring the Concorde’s story to life, offering insights into its operation and impact on the travel industry through talks by aviation experts.
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