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Concorde 40th anniversary marked Concorde 40th anniversary marked
(5 days later)
Celebrations are taking place to mark the 40th anniversary of the first UK test flight by Concorde, from Filton to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Celebrations are taking place to mark the 40th anniversary of the first UK test flight by Concorde, from Filton to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
On the 9 April 1969, the plane flew for 22 minutes over the Bristol Channel, then landed at the airbase.On the 9 April 1969, the plane flew for 22 minutes over the Bristol Channel, then landed at the airbase.
The luxury supersonic plane was retired by British Airways in 2003 because of a drop in demand for flights. The luxury supersonic plane was retired by British Airways in 2003 as a result of safety issues.
Former Concorde staff will gather later at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton to mark the anniversary.Former Concorde staff will gather later at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton to mark the anniversary.
The 9 April flight took place five weeks after a similar test run in Toulouse, France.The 9 April flight took place five weeks after a similar test run in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft finally went into service in 1976.The aircraft finally went into service in 1976.
It revolutionised air travel with the journey time from London to New York being reduced to three and a half hours.It revolutionised air travel with the journey time from London to New York being reduced to three and a half hours.
After being taken out of service, the planes were sent to aircraft museums.After being taken out of service, the planes were sent to aircraft museums.
The prototype is now on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.The prototype is now on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.