Historic Concorde Aircraft Glides Along New York's Hudson River

The British Airways Concorde, one of only 20 of the supersonic aircraft to ever fly, has been en route back to NYC’s Intrepid Museum after being sanded and recoated during several months of restoration.

Concorde, the world’s fastest commercial aircraft, has been making a rare journey – floating down New York’s Hudson River.

The delta-wing jet has been a highlight at the aviation and maritime museum since 2003. Recently, it was transported along the river on a barge, making a stop in Jersey City, New Jersey for the night.

The jet was scheduled to be unloaded by crane at Pier 86 on Thursday morning, and the entire event was live-streamed on the museum's social media platforms.

Courtesy SWNS

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Intrepid claims that its Concorde holds the world speed record for a passenger aircraft, reaching 1,354 miles per hour – more than twice the speed of sound. In 1996, it flew from New York to London in just 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.

The aircraft, known as call sign G-BOAD, made its first flight in 1976. At one point, it operated a service jointly with British Airways and Singapore Airlines. Interestingly, it sported the liveries of both carriers for a period of time, as reported by HeritageConcorde.com.

The fleet of Concordes was gradually retired after a tragic incident in August 2000, when a Concorde crashed in Paris, resulting in the loss of all 109 lives on board. It marked the beginning of the end for these iconic supersonic aircraft.

The final flight of a Concorde took place on November 26, 2003. The aircraft, named Delta Foxtrot, now rests at Aerospace Bristol, an aviation museum located in the western region of England. This marked the end of an era for the Concorde, once a symbol of speed and luxury in air travel.

Tours of Intrepid’s Concorde will resume on April 4, the museum says.

CNN’s Barry Neild contributed to this story

Editor's P/S:

The return of the British Airways Concorde to New York's Intrepid Museum is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic aircraft. As one of only 20 Concorde jets ever built, it represents a pinnacle of aviation engineering and a symbol of human ingenuity. The restoration process, which involved sanding and recoating, has breathed new life into this historic aircraft, ensuring that future generations will continue to marvel at its sleek design and unparalleled speed.

The Concorde's journey back to the Intrepid Museum is a significant event for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its presence at the museum will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the history of supersonic flight and the impact it had on global travel. The aircraft's impressive speed record and its role in connecting continents will continue to inspire awe and wonder, reminding us of the human capacity for innovation and the pursuit of technological advancements. Concorde remains an enduring icon, representing the golden age of supersonic flight and a testament to the human spirit's relentless drive to innovate and explore.