A Stunning End To A Modern Legend

The aviation world bid a longing goodbye Friday to a noisy, bothersome, beautiful and remarkable legend. With a grand finale befitting its reputation, the Concorde landed forever at Heathrow Airport in London.

In fact, three of them landed in a spectacularly coordinated finale to the dream which began on a drawing board in 1962.

We've worked this story over pretty good at Aero-News (ANN: "Last Concordes To Retire Friday" -- 20 October 2003). We've said our goodbyes and shed our tears. Here's what the rest of the world had to say:

Air traffic controller Ivor Sims, 51, sending the last Concorde to its gate: "We have all enjoyed you over the years. Best wishes from us all." 

Vicky Giannakas of Little Neck (NJ) and a BA customer service rep for a decade: "That's it -- that's the end. It's sad. I shed a tear. I guess it's off to a museum now."

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens): "While there may be some who will shed a tear over the final flight of the Concorde, there will be no crying in Queens today. This is one flight cancellation that was long overdue."

Julia Zuk, 50, who lives near Heathrow airport: "It's like wearing stilettos. They hurt your feet, but you know they look a lot sexier than ordinary shoes."

The Advertiser, Australia: "Russia had the Sputnik and the first manned space flight. The US hit back with Neil Armstrong's lunar landing. But in an era of superpower one-upmanship, neither could boast launching the world's first supersonic jet liner."

London Sunday Times columnist Jeremy Clarkson, deplaning the last Concorde: "That was one small step for man. But one giant leap backwards for mankind."

Tony Benn, former British Labor Party Minister and Concorde backer: "When people look up at it they're so proud, as much as they're proud of our monarchy, but on the whole it is cheaper than the Royal Family."

Capt. Michael Bannister, pilot of the last commercial flight of the BA Concorde: "Concorde was born from dreams, built with vision, and operated with pride."

The Concorde has gone west. Goodbye old friend. Those who flew you, loved you. Those who never flew you admired you from afar.

FMI: www.british-airways.com