Motorists up and down the east of England are set for a once-in-a-lifetime treat next on 11th August when the top deck of a Boeing 747 is set to make its final journey up the M5 and M6 by haulage transport.
Rather than part of a sombre funeral, it’s a signal of new life for what was one of British aviation’s last 747s used for commercial flying.
It’s part of British Airways’ G-BYGA aircraft and it will be travelling from Kemble on the edge of the Cotswolds up to Manchester, where it is set to become The Deck; a unique visitors centre, flight simulator and tourist attraction.
Local airline memorabilia company Doors2Manual are now setting up ‘The Deck’ at City Airport in Salford, Greater Manchester, not only saving the flight deck and top deck cabin from scrappage but also providing a lasting and permanent tribute to one of aviation history’s most-loved passenger aircraft. TheDeck will provide the perfect setting for educational and leisure tours, with the chance to get up close and personal with the pilot’s seat – even taking the controls to fly her as she becomes the UK’s only 747 flight sim using a real aircraft flight deck.
Doors2Manual also have plans to create the Insta-dream wedding and conference venue for self-styled AvGeeks looking for the perfect day or that alternative staff away day location.
Currently, the hangar at City Airport is being brought up to scratch with the most important date 11th August as G-BYGA herself will be transported on her 150 mile journey, giving flight fans and the media a unique opportunity to explore what happens when an iconic aircraft retires.
It’s all a knock-on impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the aviation industry. The Boeing 747s were the UK travel industry’s most high-profile casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic as the final 38 were sent for early retirement. British Airways scrapped all 31 of its 747s – 10% of its entire fleet, while Virgin Atlantic put its last seven of the iconic aircraft out to pasture.
A previously released 747 has gone on to movie stardom as a prop in Star Wars and others have been reconfigured for cargo. Still more will end up in airplane ‘boneyards’, gathering dust in a distant desert, a far cry from their former glories, or even, as all flight fans know, be condemned to the ultimate indignity: going to Coke cans!
But one is set to reopen its doors to the public at TheDeck. It’s the newest addition to the unique visitor attraction at City Airport, where all ages can watch aircraft take off and land with regular events, picnic area, children’s play area and the VG Bar & Grill.
Aircraft, helicopter and gyrocopter flights and lessons are also available at the venue’s flying schools.
There are also three existing flight simulators at the airport’s Manchester Flight Sim Centre. These let visitors take the controls of three different aircraft including an Airbus A320.
And now, adding to the excitement, will be the opportunity to take to the pilot’s seat of a Boeing 747 or even hire it out for the most unique Insta-friendly event.
But first will come the journey to City Airport, which flight fans, who aren’t able to see it on route, can follow on Instagram @thedeck747 or on the website www.thedeck747.com. Joining in on the journey will be everyone’s favourite aviation vlogger Noel Philips, ensuring his millions of followers can keep up with G-BYGA’s progress via his Instagram and Facebook pages.
The transportation has been made possible by sponsors Stability business IT partners (www.stability-it.com), SCAN Accountancy (https://scanaccountancy.co.uk) and atplontrack (https://atplontrack.com).
Drew Hanna, co-founder, Doors2Manual and Director, The Deck said: “This has been a dream of ours for a long, long time and we’re so excited to be finally getting ready for G-BYGA’s final journey to our hangar. I don’t think many of us will have witnessed a Boeing 747 driving up the motorway before so it’s set to be a sight many families and flight fanatics will never forget. We’ve been able to build Doors2Manual into one of the world’s leading suppliers of airline memorabilia and parts. Now being able to salvage such a significant part of an iconic aircraft is our biggest thrill so far.”
Karen Kearns, ops manager, Doors2Manual and Director, The Deck added: “The journey to Manchester’s original airport is just the start of a second life for the old girl and we’re so privileged to be able to give her a bright future. More than that, we know TheDeck is going to provide the perfect backdrop to so may special days for flight fans and can’t wait to see people come back through the doors for tours, events and to get behind the yoke and fly her.”
Tracy Williams, Business Development Manager of City Airport (Manchester Barton), said: “We are thrilled and excited to welcome Drew, Karen and the team of The Deck and look forward to the arrival of Boeing 747 G-BYGA to our airport. This will be a glorious sight to see and a fantastic addition to the Airport’s offering, saving one of the best known and well-loved, iconic aircraft there is and providing a unique opportunity for visitors to enter a real 747 cockpit.”
