Explore our past: 1980 - 1989

A small change to the airline’s livery was introduced. ‘British Airways’ titles were replaced by the single word ‘British’ in large letters on the upper fuselages.

The seventh and final Concorde was delivered.

Deliveries began of a fleet of new Boeing 737-236 aircraft for use on British Airways’ European and UK domestic services, and by Gatwick-based British Airtours.

Fuel prices were rising at the alarming rate of 70% per year. Immediate action came in the form of a survival plan, which called for unprofitable routes to be dropped, staff reductions and the early retirement of older aircraft. Many Trident 1 aircraft had already been retired and these were soon followed by some Trident 2, 707 and the Super VC-10 aircraft, all of which were withdrawn by March 1981.

Two Boeing 747-136 aircraft were sold to TWA.

The recession continued to deepen. Several Boeing 747-236 aircraft were delivered directly into storage in the USA and offered for sale.

A reorganisation into business centres took place, creating an Intercontinental Division to administer long-haul routes, European Division for short-haul and UK domestics and the Gatwick Division for all operations from Gatwick including British Airtours.

British Airways launched into the Concorde charter market.

The Highlands Division was established as an autonomous unit in a successful attempt to reverse many years of losses on Scottish routes. Three additional HS748 aircraft were acquired on lease to replace the airline’s final Viscounts.

Boeing 757 aircraft were introduced, initially on Shuttle routes followed by European routes during the summer. The airline’s Tristar 500 aircraft were sold to the Royal Air Force.

“The World’s Favourite Airline” advertising campaign was launched.

16 additional Boeing 737-236 aircraft were order as Trident replacements, ahead of the 1986 noise deadline.

Concorde services to Washington were extended to Miami, three days a week.

BA retired its final Boeing 707, which had been operating with British Airtours.

British Airways and United sAirlines announced a worldwide marketing partnership.

The inaugural British Airways Concorde scheduled service to Barbados was operated.

Airbus A320 aircraft began service, initially from Gatwick’s new North Terminal. The A320 aircraft were eventually transferred to Heathrow in November and have been based there since.

As part of the changes associated with the BCAL merger, British Airtours was re-named Caledonian Airways and adopted a lion-tailed livery and tartan uniforms similar to those of BCAL.