A civil servant from Neath, Paul Evans, has embarked on an extraordinary journey to visit the last 18 Concorde aeroplanes in existence around the world. Paul, who had the privilege of flying on the G-BOAG Concorde, has successfully checked off all but one of the iconic fleet and plans to see the final Concorde – the G-BOAE at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados – later this month. The Concorde planes, once known for their speed and luxury, entered commercial service in 1976 and were retired in 2003 following a tragic crash that damaged the aircraft’s commercial reputation.
Despite the challenges faced by the Concorde fleet, superfans like Paul have continued to admire and celebrate these remarkable aircraft. Paul’s fascination with Concorde dates back to 1977 when he witnessed the first Concorde visit to Cardiff Airport, sparking a lifelong passion for the iconic jet. His most memorable experience was flying on the G-BOAG in April 2003, just before the fleet was grounded. Describing the flight as incredible and thrilling, Paul highlighted the unique opportunity to travel at supersonic speeds and fulfil a lifelong dream.
In addition to his personal experiences, Paul has been actively involved in preserving the legacy of Concorde. He volunteered at the British Airways Concorde G-BOAF in Filton, Bristol, raising funds for the construction of the Aerospace Bristol museum where the aircraft now resides. Following the closure of the Filton site for restoration work, Paul initiated a group of former volunteers to visit other Concorde fleet locations in the UK and beyond, leading to the formation of Foxie’s Filton Flyers.
The group’s adventures have taken them to various Concorde sites globally, including visits to museums, production facilities, and commemorative events. Their latest endeavour involves a trip to Barbados to see the final Concorde G-BOAE, which has been closed to the public for several years. Collaborating with museum staff and former Concorde engineers, Paul and his group are set for a memorable supersonic adventure and a fitting conclusion to their extensive Concorde journey.
Paul’s dedication to preserving the Concorde heritage and sharing his passion with enthusiasts worldwide exemplifies the enduring legacy of this iconic aircraft. His commitment to ensuring that the story of Concorde lives on serves as a tribute to the innovation, engineering excellence, and aviation history embodied by these remarkable planes.