A retired British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft is to be converted into a cinema, the airline has announced.

The jumbo jet will also be used as a visitor attraction, conference venue and educational facility when it goes on display at Cotswold Airport near Kemble in Gloucestershire from spring 2021.

It will not be airworthy but its inflight entertainment system will be available for use during business presentations.

The aircraft was flown for nearly 60 million miles until its retirement (Steve Parsons/PA)
The aircraft had flown nearly 60 million miles before its retirement (Steve Parsons/PA)

The airport is asking for ex-747 pilots and crew to volunteer to maintain the plane.

After entering the British Airways fleet in February 1994, the G-CIVB model flew nearly 60 million miles.

Earlier this month it was one of the carrier’s final two Heathrow-based 747s to depart the airport on retirement flights.

BA planned to phase out the fleet by 2024 in favour of smaller planes that burn less fuel, but the process was hastened by the coronavirus pandemic.

G-CIVB is painted in the airline’s Negus livery, which dates back to the 1970s and 1980s.

It was one of four aircraft given a heritage makeover as part of BA’s centenary celebrations last year.

The plane touched down at Cotswold Airport on October 8 (British Airways/PA)
The plane touched down at Cotswold Airport on October 8 (British Airways/PA)

British Airways chief executive Sean Doyle said: “It was with great sadness that we retired our two final 747s based at Heathrow earlier this month, so we’re glad Cotswold Airport is able to give one of these aircraft a new home and a new lease of life.

“The 747, and the Negus livery, are iconic in British Airways’ past, and we hope locals and visitors will enjoy seeing this slice of history for years to come.”

Cotswold Airport boss Suzannah Harvey said: “It is great news for locals and visitors who will be able to see and experience one of the most iconic passenger aircraft of its time.

“We’re absolutely delighted to make this happen following its final flight from London Heathrow to Cotswold Airport on 8 October.”