In 1978, with launch orders from the erstwhile Eastern Air Lines and British Airways, Boeing commenced the venerable Boeing 757. Eastern Air Lines put the aircraft into commercial service on January 1, 1983, followed by British Airways on February 9, 1983.
British Airways has operated the 757 for 27 years, longer than any other operator, with the aircraft reaching a maximum strength of 54 in the carrier’s fleet. Now, the airline is retiring the last three 757’s in its fleet at the end of this month.
In tribute, British Airways has repainted one of its 757-200, registration G-CPET, in the same “Negus & Negus” livery prevailing when it first introduced the plane into service in 1983.
In keeping with the tradition of British Airways naming many of its aircraft after famous castles in the United Kingdom, G-CPET is also being titled “Stokesay Castle” during its final month of service.
The last scheduled flights for the Boeing 757s will be on Saturday, October 30, 2010.
Stokesay Castle near Ludlow, Shropshire is open to visitors Wednesdays to Sundays throughout October. For further visitor information, call +44 1588 672 544 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/stokesaycastle
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