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Yesterday morning, crowds gathered at Heathrow to watch the much-anticipated arrival of a British Airways Boeing 747 painted in the iconic design of its predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

Judging from the interactions on BA’s social media, we aren’t the only ones to think it looks rather splendid!

The aircraft entered the IAC paint bay at Dublin Airport on 5th February to be repainted with the BOAC livery which adorned the BOAC fleet between 1964 and 1974.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

“The enormous interest we’ve had in this project demonstrates the attachment many people have to British Airways’ history. It’s something we are incredibly proud of, so in our centenary year it’s a pleasure to be celebrating our past while also looking to the future. We look forward to many more exciting moments like this as our other aircraft with heritage designs enter service.”

If you fancy seeing – or flying on – the aircraft yourself, today (Tuesday 19th February) it’s heading to New York JFK, operating as flight BA117. This flight is particularly significant as it was the first route the B747 flew in BOAC colours.

After this, the aircraft will continue to fly British Airways’ 747-operated routes and can be tracked using Flight Radar (aircraft registration is G-BYGC), which will feature a special image of the livery.

The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023, so you’ve got plenty of time to see it!

What do you think about the return of the BOAC livery – looking good, or trading on past glories?