If I'm not mistaken BA (BOAC even at first) also did some checks on the rest of the Aer Lingus 747 fleet as well, before Dublin had the full capability.
Aer Lingus Transatlantic traffic was notably peaky and they really had too many aircraft; for about 8 months of the year one 747 would really have sufficed, but they kept several of their 707s on as well, and got into the leasing market in quite a big way. Paddy Zulu was a longer term arrangement, however, with the aircraft being put on the UK register.
BA were notably short of 747s, and intercontinental widebodies, in the late 1970s; their Tristars didn't have the range, and they were waiting for the RR-powered 747-200s. The daily lease of the Air New Zealand DC-10 (later two a day) at the same time was part of this, only resolved when the Roller 747s came in, and even those dribbled in just one or two per order.
BA actually did a lot of other leasing in the late 1970s, though principally on the short-haul fleet where there were periodic shortages of Tridents while they went through yet another fleet fix. 737s from various operators were the common substitute.
I believe after passing through African etc hands, Paddy Zulu may still be somewhat extant at Roswell NM USA, the hulk noted there in 2014 having already been there for a dozen years.
Last edited by WHBM; 15th Aug 2020 at 09:24.