Originally Posted by
By George
My first flight in an aeroplane, London to Germany (Munich?) in 1957. Sat opposite my brothers on a four-seat table complete with linen tablecloth, fine china and stainless-steel knives. My father in a suit with a hat and Mum dressed to the nines, including white gloves up to the elbow. As kids we wore identical outfits which included a tie! Addressed as 'Master' by the cabin crew and treated like royalty. Talk about changing times. Beautiful looking aeroplane too.
Yes at those times the luxury 47 seat BEA Airspeed Ambassador (Elizabethan) was also pivotal in their longer routes which were not just deep into Europe and Eastern Europe, but down to the Mediterranean, Malta and North Africa too (Cairo was suspended around this time due to the Suez situation)
12 a/c were in the fleet in 1957, with just 7 in 1958.
The Viscount 800 was coming onstream and would soon take over these routes from the Ambassador.
in turn these would go to the new Comet 4B's and Vanguards.