Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Special Purpose B-747 Preservation - The 'Party Plane'

Although the 'Queen of the Skies' may be disappearing from the skies, it will always be beloved by aviation enthusiasts.  Unfortunately, many young people, such as videographers who post on YouTube, will probably not ever enjoy the experience of flying on a B-747. I certainly have fond memories of every trip, including my only 'First Class' flight, on board these beautiful aircraft.

When I came across an article about B-747's preserved for special purposes such as hotels, restaurants or general tourism, I had to investigate. These aircraft may be the only opportunity for future generations to view these remarkable achievements in aviation. 

One particular aircraft has found a new function as a 'Party Plane'. 

British Airways' B-747-400 registration G-CIVB was originally delivered in February 1994 and named 'City of Lichfield'. It served its entire 26-year career with BA until withdrawn from service in October 2020. Along with other retired aircraft from the BA fleet, it was stored at Cotswold Airport (GBA)

Cotswold Airport bought the plane from British Airways for £1 ($1.35) and converted it into a 'party plane' that rents it out for £1,000 per hour ($1,340) or €12,000 for 24 hours ($16,100).

Read the full story at: www.businessinsider.com

Montreal based videographer, Mark Brandon, posted this video of Chrono Aviation's first B-737-800(SF) (registration C-GVZB) at Montreal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport.

Chrono plans on using this B-737 for cargo charter flights, including bringing food from Winnipeg to Iqaluit twice a week.

Editors' Note: This aircraft was originally delivered to Miami Air International (as N738MA) in March 2004.

Pionairs District Director for New Brunswick, Rose-Anne Carney sent us the following:

I am enjoying The NetLetter as it keeps us all in touch with a shared love of the airline industry. Keep up the great work!

I am writing to you with regards to a collection I received as the District Director for New Brunswick Pionairs. This TCA/Air Canada memorabilia collection came from the niece of Ralph D. Trites who passed away in July 2020 in his 95th year.

He was a career employee of TCA/Air Canada for over 35 years, working in Moncton, Halifax, Sydney NS, and Toronto. He retired in the Moncton area.

This collection has many pictures of aircraft, VIP customers, and other events over the earlier years. As well, there are TCA and AC promo items like glassware, key chains, tags, posters, some Horizon issues (70's) and other collectibles.

I have been able to share a display of the collection with our NB Pionairs at an event we held last year (attached a few pictures). 

Found on the EPA Facebook page -

The caption reads "Good-day, Ladies and gentlemen. I'll bet you thought this was your captain speaking!

Well, actually the captain was late, and I was up here cleaning the windshield, and I figured - "Oh what the hell!" so ......"