News: Second BA retro-jet goes for paint

The second of four British Airways jets to be repainted in historic liveries to promote the airline's "BA100" centenary will go to a paint shop in Shannon, Ireland this weekend.

Airbus A319-131 G-EUPJ will emerge again in early March, carrying British European Airways' (BEA) 'red square' colour scheme. The livery was previously carried by BEA's Vickers Viscount and Vanguard turboprops, and Hawker Siddeley Tridents and BAC One-Eleven jets between 1959 and 1968. Although the A319's colour scheme will be a close replica of the original, it will not feature red upper wings due to current reflectivity regulations. The aircraft will operate across the UK and Europe until it is retired in November next year.

British Airways chief executive Alex Cruz said: "There's been plenty of speculation about our next heritage livery, so it's great to finally be able to make this exciting announcement. BEA is an important part of our history, and many customers and colleagues will have fond memories flying on its aircraft."

British Airways is already flying a Boeing 747-436 (G-BYGC) carrying BOAC colour, and two further 747s are expected to be repainted in due course.

Text © The Aviation Oracle, image © British Airways