France designates the first Concordejet as a historic landmark.
France’s culture minister announced on Monday that the first Concorde supersonic passenger airplane has been designated as a historical landmark.
On May 5, 2025, the French Minister of Culture declared that the first Franco-British supersonic plane, Concorde No. 1, along with all its components, was added to the list of Historic Monuments in France.
(Copyright: AFP)
The Concorde 001, the initial one among the 20 planes constructed and the first to undertake a test flight in 1969, currently resides at the Aeroscopia museum located near the southern French city of Toulouse.
“France’s ingenuity and industrial prowess in aviation are embodied by this aircraft,” stated Culture Minister Rachida Dati in a tweet announcing the recognition.
The Concorde commenced commercial operations in 1976 and remains the sole supersonic passenger aircraft to date. It could travel above the speed of sound, allowing privileged passengers to journey from London or Paris to the U.S. East Coast in under three hours.
The service was officially discontinued in October 2003, roughly three years following a catastrophic accident near Paris that claimed 113 lives.
“This aircraft, which pioneered supersonic travel, continues to remain etched in our memories,” stated Dati.
The aircraft, crafted through collaborations between French and British companies that later merged into Airbus and BAE Systems, saw operations with Air France and British Airways.
“Its preservation will provide future generations an example of our aeronautical expertise and futuristic vision.”
The French culture ministry said 18 of the 20 Concordes have been preserved, including six located in France.
© Copyright 2025 ETX Studio
Leave a Reply