Today in Aviation History: Concorde’s Supersonic Debut.

On January 21, 1976, commercial aviation entered a new era as the Concorde began its first scheduled supersonic passenger operations. Air France and British Airways simultaneously launched inaugural services, carrying fare-paying passengers at speeds beyond Mach 1. The milestone marked a bold leap in speed, technology and prestige for global air travel.

• Historic First Supersonic Services:
  Two Concorde aircraft took off simultaneously at 11:40 a.m., marking the world’s first scheduled supersonic passenger flights.
• Air France & British Airways Routes:
  Air France operated Flight AF 085 from Paris to Rio de Janeiro with a stop in Dakar, while British Airways launched Flight BA 300 from London Heathrow to Bahrain.
• Joint Anglo-French Achievement:
  Concorde was jointly developed by Sud Aviation and the British Aircraft Corporation, symbolizing international collaboration in aerospace innovation.
• Mach 2 Supersonic Cruise:
  Powered by advanced Olympus turbojet engines, Concorde cruised at Mach 2, cutting transatlantic travel times to just a few hours.
• Turning Point in Commercial Aviation:
  The aircraft’s entry into service redefined passenger expectations, combining speed, luxury and cutting-edge engineering.
• Legacy of Innovation:
  Concorde’s debut remains one of the most iconic moments in airline history, representing unmatched technological ambition in civil aviation.