British Airways Boeing 747 Becomes TV and Film Set

A British Airways 747 today departed for Dunsfold Aerodrome where it will begin its new life as a TV and film set.

The aircraft, registration G-CIVW, took off from Cardiff Airport at 14:14 as flight number BA1978E, landing at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey at 14:50.

The airport, just 13 miles west of London Gatwick, will preserve the aircraft for use as a commercial film set and training facility.

The aircraft, which will keep its Chatham Dockyard livery, will be stored in public view on the airfield and will eventually be opened up as an exhibition for visitors to experience the size and scale of the Queen of the Skies.

The aircraft, like many other 747s, has ties with the world of film, having flown many actors across its cabins and having often visited film set hotspots like Los Angeles and New York. In its new role it will feature more prominently in front of the camera, used to mock up interior and exterior shots for TV and film.

Jim McAllister, Chief Executive, Dunsfold Aerodrome, said, “The 747 is an unique and important piece of aviation history and we are excited to be taking delivery of this retired aircraft at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Whilst G-CIVW will no longer fly, the aircraft will be preserved and given a new lease of life in the world of TV and film, training and special events.”

After entering the British Airways fleet on 15 May 1998, G-CIVW operated 11,424 flights and flew 90,617 hours over 45 million miles. Its last passenger flight was from Boston to Heathrow on 28 March 2020. After its final commercial flight, the aircraft was stored at Bournemouth Airport before moving to storage at Cardiff Airport in June.

Please note that the British Airways Boeing 747 pictured above is registration number G-BNLY, which is not the 747 which this story relates to.

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