Guys and Gals
I'm not one of you aviating folk, merely a lowly Controller at LHR, but in response to the questioning of Conc's importance may I volunteer the following...?
We don't have quite as many visitors up there as we like (come on guys, bring us some coffee and chocolates!!) but it AMAZING that 99% turn up at 1045 and, oh yes, BAW1 departs at @1100. They watch the old bird get up off 09L, fly the hair raising CPT, then they vanish. The Rocket pulls punters, plane enthsiasts and the public like no other in the business. Ok, so no-one can afford to fly on her regularly, but everyone still aspires to have a trip on the old girl once. If BA can afford to, and want to try to keep her going, then I for one say good on them. Folks are to quick to try and knock down something that we have if it against the grain and captures the public's imagination. Yes she guzzles fuel, yes she's elitist, but if you're lining up on 27R behind her, my how she looks impressive.
