October 25, 2003	Saturday	Sha’aban 28, 1424

LONDON, Oct 24: Concorde flew home to Britain on its last passenger flight on Friday to an emotional welcome from thousands of aviation enthusiasts mourning the passing of the supersonic era.

The sleek symbol of jet-set elegance landed at London’s Heathrow Airport after roaring across the Atlantic at twice the speed of sound from New York.

In a carefully choreographed return, it was joined on the last run in by two other Concordes coming back from short-haul commemorative flights.

Cruising back down from the edge of space after flying faster than a speeding bullet, the needle-nosed jet was given a hero’s welcome by patriotic British fans, out for a final look at an epochal classic of design and technology.

“We are all incredibly proud of this aeroplane and of our country because between us and France we built this beautiful thing,” said Concorde pilot Peter Benn.

For 27 years, Concorde had set the standard for transatlantic air travel. Now the drop-nosed Queen of the Skies is headed for a sedentary life in aviation museums.

From actress Joan Collins to model Christie Brinkley, the plane was packed with celebrities quaffing champagne and scoffing caviar aboard the ultimate status symbol for the rich and famous.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who took the first Concorde flight in 1976 and was now on the last, said: “I don’t think we will see it again — at least in my lifetime.”

For many it was a sad moment — aviation is now going slower rather than faster.

British motoring correspondent and self-confessed speed freak Jeremy Clarkson, who took the last Concorde flight, said: “Getting off this plane will be one giant leap backwards for mankind.”

Back in the mid-20th century, Concorde’s Anglo-French creators had hoped it would become a standard-bearer for a new generation of airliners.

But the high running costs, deafeningly loud engines and sonic booms turned environmentalists against it and the plane quickly became little more than an exclusive toy for superstars.—Reuters