France names first Concorde jet a historical monument

The first Concorde supersonic passenger aircraft has been named as a historical monument, France's culture minister said Monday.

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," 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, travelling faster than sound at speeds that whisked an elite class of travellers between London or Paris and the US 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.

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"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.

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