G-AWNA - Boeing 747-100 - BOAC - Full of rich aviation history
First of all we want to thank Rainer Haufschild Collection, Fergal Goodman and George Hamlin for providing their rare pictures of G-AWNA
BOAC's decision-making process surrounding the Boeing 747 reflected the airline's need to balance innovation with operational challenges. Initially, BOAC evaluated several alternatives, including the stretched Douglas DC-8-63 and Vickers' ambitious but unrealized Super-Super VC-10—a proposed enhancement of the Super VC-10 that never materialized. Ultimately, the appeal of the 747 lay in its unprecedented capacity to carry 370 passengers in a single aircraft, offering significant cost savings and helping mitigate a looming pilot shortage expected to persist for years.
Despite ordering six Boeing 747s in April 1966, BOAC’s introduction of the aircraft was delayed due to labor disputes. This postponement, however, turned out to be a hidden blessing. Early Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines used on the 747-100 were plagued with reliability issues. With their aircraft parked during the dispute, BOAC avoided these early operational headaches.
BOAC's first passenger-carrying 747 service took flight on April 14th, 1971. The airline’s confidence in the aircraft grew as the efficiencies of its scale became evident, prompting a follow-up order for an additional ten 747s.
The 747’s cabin layout showcased BOAC's dedication to luxury and comfort. Initially, it offered 27 First Class seats and 335 in Economy, later adjusted seasonally to 36 First Class and 315 Economy. First Class passengers enjoyed exclusive access to the upper-deck Monarch Lounge. This luxurious addition cemented BOAC’s reputation as a leader in premium air travel during the early jumbo jet era.
G-AWNA was a Boeing 747-136, construction number 19761 and line number 23. It first flew on March 15, 1970, and was delivered to BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) in April, 1970. Following the merger of BOAC and BEA (British European Airways) in April 1974, the aircraft became part of the British Airways fleet.
On delivery G-AWNA was painted in the original BOAC livery. In 1974, BOAC and British European Airways (BEA) merged to become the current British Airways. Only the BOAC lettering on G-AWNA was replaced with British Airways. Later, the new BA tail colours were applied as a further interim measure before NA was repainted into BA livery in 1977
Also in later years G-AWNA got some non standard liveries. At the end of its flying career the red line of the Landor livery was painted over and the letters BOAC were placed above British Airways.
On November 8, 1975, G-AWNA was involved in an accident at Bombay Airport in India. A fracture of a wheel during taxi out caused a fire at the undercarriage, which finally lead to an evacuation at Bombay airport. No fatalities, but some injured passengers.
The aircraft continued to serve with British Airways until it was withdrawn from service in October 1998. It was subsequently stored at Bruntingthorpe, UK, on November 14, 1998.
During its operational life, G-AWNA was powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A engines.
BOAC -
The British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) was a pivotal airline in the history of British aviation. Established in 1939 through the merger of Imperial Airways and British Airways Ltd., BOAC was created to streamline Britain’s international air services during a time of global expansion in aviation. It became the UK’s primary international airline and a symbol of British innovation and reach in the skies.
Initially, BOAC’s operations were shaped by World War II. The airline played a critical role in wartime logistics, operating long-distance flights to connect Britain with its colonies and allies. During this period, BOAC pioneered innovative routes such as the famous “Hump” route over the Himalayas, which connected India to China. It also employed advanced aircraft like the Consolidated Liberator, adapted for long-range civilian use.
Post-war, BOAC transitioned to peacetime operations, leading Britain into the Jet Age. In 1952, it became the first airline to introduce a jet-powered passenger service, using the De Havilland Comet. Despite early setbacks with the Comet, BOAC persisted and contributed significantly to the development of modern aviation safety and technology. By the late 1950s, it was operating iconic aircraft such as the Boeing 707 and the Vickers VC10, connecting Europe with Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
BOAC was known for its luxurious service and global network. The airline served destinations across the British Empire and Commonwealth, helping reinforce cultural and economic ties. Its blue and white livery, with the famous "Speedbird" logo, became synonymous with quality and prestige.
The 1970s marked a period of transformation. In 1974, BOAC merged with British European Airways (BEA) to form British Airways, aligning with government initiatives to streamline the UK's aviation industry. The merger created one of the world's largest airlines and marked the end of BOAC as a standalone entity.
BOAC's legacy continues to resonate in British Airways’ operations, branding, and historical identity. The airline is remembered for its pioneering contributions to international aviation, its role in British imperial and post-imperial history, and its emphasis on service and innovation. BOAC's vision helped establish Britain as a major player in global aviation, and its influence is still celebrated by aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.
