‘I’ve Traveled the World to See the Last 18 Concordes in Existence’
A man from Neath, Paul Evans, has spent the past six years embarking on a global journey to visit the remaining 18 Concorde planes in existence. Paul, a civil servant who was fortunate enough to fly on the G-BOAG Concorde, now has only one Concorde left to visit, the G-BOAE at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, which he plans to see later this month.
These iconic aircraft, known for their status as the fastest commercial planes ever, entered commercial service in 1976 and retired in 2003. Despite facing setbacks due to the tragic Air France Flight 4590 crash in 2000, where 109 passengers and four individuals on the ground lost their lives, Concorde enthusiasts like Paul remain devoted to the aircraft.
Paul’s passion for Concorde dates back to 1977 when he witnessed the first visit of Concorde to Cardiff Airport. His fascination with the aircraft’s futuristic design led him to fulfill a lifelong dream of flying on the Concorde in April 2003. Reflecting on his experience, Paul described the flight as an extraordinary and unparalleled adventure.
Over the years, Paul’s involvement with Concorde led to various endeavors, including volunteering at the British Airways Concorde G-BOAF in Filton, Bristol, and organizing tours to visit different Concorde planes across the UK. His group, known as Foxie’s Filton Flyers, expanded globally, attracting enthusiasts from around the world to join their tours.
Their travels included visits to diverse locations such as Toulouse, where they were granted access to the Air France Concorde F-BVFC, and the US to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Concorde. The group’s ultimate goal now is to visit the final Concorde, G-BOAE in Barbados, marking the culmination of their supersonic adventures.
Paul’s dedication to preserving the legacy of Concorde and sharing its history with others underscores the enduring fascination and admiration for these remarkable aircraft. As he prepares for his last Concorde expedition, joined by museum staff and former Concorde engineering personnel, his journey symbolizes a tribute to a bygone era of aviation excellence.