France names first Concorde jet a historical monument
The Concorde 001 takes off for its first flight on March 2, 1969 in southern France
The first Concorde supersonic passenger aircraft has been named as a historical monument.
Concorde 001, which was the first of the 20 aircraft built and the first to take to the skies in a test flight in 1969, is now housed in the Aeroscopia museum outside of the southern French city of Toulouse.
"This plane embodies France's innovation and industrial strength in the aviation sector," French Culture Minister Rachida Dati said in a statement on X announcing the designation.
The Concorde entered into commercial service in 1976, and to date is the world's only supersonic passenger plane, traveling faster than sound at speeds that whisked an elite class of travelers between London or Paris and the U.S. east coast in just over three hours.
The service was definitively retired in October 2003, three years after a devastating crash outside Paris that killed 113 people.
"This plane, a pioneer in supersonic flight, remains in our memories," said Dati.
The plane, which was developed by French and British firms that became part of Airbus and BAE Systems, was operated by Air France and British Airways.
"Its preservation will provide future generations an example of our aeronautical expertise and futuristic vision."
The French culture ministry said 18 of the 20 Concordes have been preserved, including six located in France.
© 2025 AFP
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