Originally Posted by
22/04
BMA did occasional 707s into LTN but never saw any go further than Palma. May have been the odd Canaries
BMA had two 707 main passenger periods (when flying for themselves and not some dodgy outfit in Africa or in the Deserts)
YBJ and YVE were the first 2 (old ex Pan Am -321 ships) and they flew from 1970 until 1972 in two versions of BMA colours on all sorts of charters both short and long haul mainly from STN but could be seen anywhere.
there was another period in mid 70's when they were repainted in the newer third version of BMA colours (just this pair, not the 4 ex Donaldson)
they were both retired in 1977
the next passenger period came for the 1982 season onward until sold in 1985 when three 707-320C's BFLD/LE and BMAZ were re-fitted with new 757 type larger aft exits, new wide look interiors, 212 new seats and galleys but no IFE.
They flew purely BMA IT's and Affinity ABC charter Ops to the Med & Canaries and USA/Canada.
1 each at MAN and LGW and 1 to alternate with BHX and EMA
the idea and hope was that this re-vamped trio would be able to operate the USA routes from LHR and MAN that SMB was so desperate to obtain but he failed to secure those licences for many years -
he was looking to replace the 707-320C's with DC8-63's (possibly re-engined 73's) if he was awarded the USA schedules.