British Airways Painting A319 in BEA Livery from 1959-1968

British Airways has revealed the second design in its series of heritage liveries to mark the airline’s centenary - an Airbus 319 will be painted in the colours of the airline’s short-haul predecessor, British European Airways (BEA).

The A319, reg G-EUPJ, is being repainted with the BEA livery which flew predominantly on domestic and European routes between 1959 and 1968. However, there will be a significant difference with the replica. The aircraft will have a grey upper wing, rather than the traditional red, to meet current wing paint reflectivity requirements.

It will return to Heathrow and enter service this month flying across the UK and Europe, with the design remaining on the aircraft until it retires next year. The aircraft can be followed using tracking website Flightradar24, which will feature a special image of the livery.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said, “BEA is an important part of our history, and many customers and colleagues will have fond memories flying on its aircraft. We’re sure this latest livery will bring back a flood of emotions and pride in not only British Airways, but the UK’s impressive aviation history – and what better time to do that than in our centenary year as we celebrate our past and look to the future. I can’t wait to see this classic design taking back to the skies.”

See latest HD Video Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: British Airways, Livery.