France Designates First Concorde Supersonic Jet as Historical Monument

Toulouse, The Gulf Observer: France has officially recognized the first Concorde supersonic passenger aircraft as a historical monument, Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced on Monday, underscoring the aircraft’s enduring legacy in aviation history.

Concorde 001, the pioneering model of the iconic fleet, has been enshrined with the distinction following its significant role in showcasing French technological and industrial prowess. Built as the first of 20 units and making its maiden test flight in 1969, the aircraft is now permanently displayed at the Aeroscopia aviation museum near Toulouse in southern France.

“This plane embodies France’s innovation and industrial strength in the aviation sector,” said Minister Dati in a statement released on social media platform X. She hailed the aircraft as a symbol of national pride and a benchmark in aerospace achievement.

The Concorde entered commercial service in 1976 and remains the world’s only supersonic passenger aircraft to date. With cruising speeds exceeding the speed of sound, it transported elite passengers between London or Paris and the eastern United States in just over three hours. The aircraft was jointly developed by French and British firms—later incorporated into Airbus and BAE Systems—and was operated by Air France and British Airways.

Commercial operations of the Concorde ceased in October 2003, three years after a tragic crash near Paris in 2000 that claimed 113 lives.

“This plane, a pioneer in supersonic flight, remains in our memories,” added Dati. “Its preservation will provide future generations an example of our aeronautical expertise and futuristic vision.”

According to the Ministry of Culture, 18 of the original 20 Concorde aircraft have been preserved worldwide, with six currently housed in France.