Historic Letter

HRH Prince Philip's message to BWA - British World Airlines

Mike Sessions treasured letter from HRH Prince Philip.

Mike Sessions received this letter from HRH Prince Philip on the 18 February 1996, the date of special retirement celebration at Heathrow, London, England that marked the withdrawal of the Viscount from passenger use in the United Kingdom.

The Viscount finally retired from service in the United Kingdom in January 1998.

Chris Hatton wrote in a UK newspaper

BWA - British World Airlines
Viscount G-AOHM

It was the end of an era. One of Britain's most successful airliners made its final touch down at Southend Airport as tearful staff said their final goodbyes.

The British World Airlines plane G-AOHM - the last one in operation in the UK - made a low pass over the airport to celebrate its last flight from Belfast.

The Captain of the landmark flight was Ray Hill who has flown Viscounts for 29 years, with Paul Henty as his co-pilot. This was Ray last flight as he will be taking retirement with his aircraft.

Malcolm Ginsberg, spokesman for British World Airlines, which owned the Viscount, said: "Over the years, the Viscount fleet has reduced as each aircraft has reached the end of its airframe life."

"The last three remaining in the UK have been operating twice nightly from Belfast and Edinburgh to Coventry moving the nation's parcels."