France Declares First Concorde Jet a Historic Monument
France has officially recognized the first Concorde supersonic aircraft as a historical monument, celebrating its groundbreaking legacy in aviation and preserving its memory for future generations.
Photo Source: France 24
France has officially designated the first Concorde supersonic passenger jet as a historical monument, marking a proud moment in the country’s aviation history.
The legendary Concorde 001, the first of 20 aircraft produced and the first to complete a test flight in 1969, now resides at the Aeroscopia Museum near Toulouse. This designation highlights the aircraft’s revolutionary impact on aviation and France’s enduring legacy of aeronautical innovation.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati emphasized that the Concorde embodies France’s industrial strength and forward-looking vision. “Its preservation offers future generations a tangible link to our expertise and ambition in aviation,” she stated.
The Concorde entered commercial service in 1976 and remains the only supersonic passenger aircraft in aviation history, dramatically cutting transatlantic travel time to just over three hours. Operated by Air France and British Airways, it symbolized luxury and speed until its retirement in 2003, following a tragic crash in Paris that claimed 113 lives.
Out of the 20 Concordes built, 18 have been preserved globally, with six still located in France, safeguarding a remarkable chapter of aerospace achievement.
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