Air India at one stage used to operate a 707 flight via Moscow many moons ago. That died a death as well
I also remember when British Midland used to operate Kingston flights using 707's as well. I also recall the story that they used so much runway that on one occassion they 'took the lights' with them to Jamaica.
Having chatted to many long haul pilots over the years- they all say without doubt BHX needs a longer runway for performance. BHX is a great place to divert to, but not to operate out of!!