50th years of Transatlantic Jet Operations
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the first commercial Jet service across the Atlantic when a BOAC Comet 4 commenced services on the route between LHR and Idlewild NYC. The initial westbound flight operated via Gander in 10hours and 13 minutes and was commanded by Cpt Roy Millichap. A simulataneous east bound departure made the journey in a record breaking 6 hours and 11 minutes!
BA are marking the special occassion by dressing two crewmembers on the BA117 today (04 OCT, 0855 departure) in the original uniform of the period and have invited 72 year old Brian Barnett, a passenger on the historic comet flight to travel on todays service. The crew will also serve 1950's inspired cocktails to customers.
BOAC beat Pan Am into the atlantic jet race by just three weeks.
Its amazing to think that in the 50 years since air travel between London and NYC has been reduced from 17 hours, to 7 hours to 3 1/2 hours and back to 7 hours!!!!