By Philip Newman
The Concorde jetliner is scheduled to return to John F. Kennedy International airport early next month after a 15-month grounding of the world’s only supersonic transport caused by a crash that killed 113 people.
Both British Airways and Air France said they would resume Concorde flights Nov. 7, but some Queens residents were opposed to the return of the service because of the noise generated by the plane’s engines.
Air France plans to start with a flight from Paris to New York leaving Charles De Gaulle International Airport at 10:30 a.m. and arriving at JFK at 8:25 a.m.
On the New York-Paris route, the Concorde will leave at 8 a.m. and arrive at Charles De Gaulle at 5:45 p.m.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani welcomed the return of the Concorde.
“Concorde’s return is symbolic of how all New Yorkers feel about rebuilding this great city. I am personally proud to welcome Concorde back to New York.”
British Airways said it plans six Concorde flights a week from New York to London as well as one weekly flight from London to Barbados between Dec. 1 and the middle of April.
After an Air France Concorde crashed on takeoff at Charles De Gaulle on July 25, 2000, killing 109 persons aboard the plane and four on the ground, Air France and British Airways both grounded their Concordes.
The resumption of Concorde flights came after exhaustive tests that followed strengthening of fuel tank liners and tires on the planes.
Queens opponents of the supersonic transport held a demonstration at JFK in late August to protest resumption of service. U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Forest Hills) has long called for an end to Concorde service at Kennedy. He contends the plane produces 4.5 times the amount of carbon monoxide as other jets during takeoffs and landings.
The Concorde carries 100 passengers and a round trip immediate purchase ticket from JFK to London costs $12,284.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 136.
