It is almost the end of the line for the Boeing 767-300ER at British Airways as the last seven aircraft in the fleet are due for retirement by the end of 2018.

In related news, British Airways expect the Boeing 747-400 to leave the fleet by the beginning of 2024. You therefore have a few more years to fly on the Queen of the Skies.

British Airways 767

What I find interesting about the 767 fleet at BA is the fact that the very first one is still in service. This aircraft was delivered in April 1990 which means it is coming up to its 28th birthday. It’s almost as old as me!

Of course, the age is of no concern to me. As long as aeroplanes are properly maintained they can fly for as long as you want them to and believe me, British Airways will be keeping them in tip top shape.


All the Boeing 767 aircraft fly on European routes now and the British Airways web site lists Amsterdam, Athens, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Rome and Stockholm as the current routes served.

Flying on the aircraft has an element of time travel about it as the cabin features the old European seats. This means convertible seats in Club Europe, drinks holders on the end of the arm rests and navy blue seats rather than the newer brown. Fun!

How About The Boeing 747?

News from the IAG Capital Markets Day presentation indicates the Boeing 747 fleet will be retired by 2024 with 25 of the 36 strong fleet leaving in the next five years.

Interestingly there is a refurbishment slated for the Boeing 747 fleet starting in 2018 and I am curious as to what is going to be done. Presumably it will be on part of the fleet, but watch this space.

Overall Thoughts

Happily I am scheduled to go to Stockholm in May and there is a 767 operating on the route. That will definitely be my last flight on that aircraft I would expect.

With regards to the Boeing 747, I really need to fly it in First Class one more time. Hopefully in 1A or 1K as I have only once flown in First on the 747 and that was 2A. I’ll be using my points for this which is a complete Avgeek goal!

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Featured image via British Airways.