The airline has been forced to take its 747s, known affectionately as the “Queen of the Skies”, out of service earlier than planned due to the slump in air travel since the start of the coronavirus pandemic this spring.

The final two jumbo aircraft based at Heathrow departed from Heathrow at 8.30am on Thursday with one aircraft painted in its historic ‘Negus’ livery and the other in BA’s current colours.

BA organised a rare “synchronised” dual take-off for the two aircraft on parallel runways, followed by a fly-past along the southerly runway by one of the 747s.

Alex Cruz, BA’s chief executive, said it was a “difficult day” for everybody at the airline as the iconic jumbos left Heathrow for the final time.

“We will pay tribute to them for the incredible part they have played in our 100-year history and to the millions of customers and BA colleagues who have flown onboard and taken care of them,” added Cruz.

“We hope that Britain will join us in sharing their memories with us on social media at 7:47am and 7.47pm on Thursday using #BA747farewell.”