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Speedbird 2 Last Concorde KJFK to EGLL
The final commercial departure of the British Airways Concorde from New York's JFK Airport.
Summary
On October 24, 2003, British Airways flight Speedbird 2 prepared for its final supersonic departure from New York to London. The recording captures an emotional series of farewells between Captain Mike Bannister, JFK air traffic controllers, and pilots from various other airlines. This flight marked the end of the Concorde's 27-year history of commercial service at Kennedy International Airport.
Analysis
This recording captures a significant moment in aviation history: the final commercial departure of the Concorde from JFK Airport. The atmosphere is one of profound respect and nostalgia, rather than the usual clinical efficiency of New York airspace. Captain Mike Bannister, a legendary Concorde pilot, leads the crew of Speedbird 2, requesting a precise "wheels rolling" time of 07:37 local to mark the occasion.
A notable aspect of the exchange is the participation of veteran controllers. Two different controllers mention that they were present for the Concorde's inaugural flight into JFK in 1977—one who issued the first landing clearance and another who issued the first approach clearance. This symmetry, having the same individuals "bookend" the aircraft's career at the airport, highlights the deep professional bonds formed over nearly three decades of service.
The transcript also reveals the impact of the Concorde on the wider aviation community. Pilots from JetBlue, American Airlines, and US Airways (Cactus) break standard radio brevity to offer well-wishes. One JetBlue pilot even asks to hold short of a taxiway just to watch the iconic aircraft depart one last time, while an American Eagle pilot calls in from the LaGuardia frequency specifically to say goodbye.
Technically, the recording mentions the "Canarsie Climb," a specific noise-abatement departure procedure off Runway 31L at JFK that required a visual turn to avoid overflying residential areas—a maneuver the Concorde was famous for performing with its high power-to-weight ratio. The precision of the "37 and 50 seconds" brake release demonstrates the high level of coordination between the cockpit and the tower to ensure a perfectly timed farewell.
The significance of this event cannot be overstated; it represented the end of the era of civil supersonic transport (SST). Since the Concorde's retirement, no commercial aircraft has returned to provide Mach 2 travel for the public. The recording serves as a "time capsule" of a period when the pinnacle of aviation technology was a daily sight at major international hubs.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
PILOT
Kennedy Ground, good morning for the last time. Speedbird Concorde 2, IFR London Heathrow with Mike, request Canarsie Climb.
PILOT
Kennedy Ground, good morning for the very last time. This is Concorde flight 2, ready to fly to London by instruments. we have the latest weather update, and we'd like to use the special Canarsie departure route.
ATC
Speedbird 2, I guess for the last time we can give you that Canarsie climb. Speedbird 2 heavy, cleared to London Heathrow Airport, Kennedy 9 Departure, Canarsie climb, radar vectors SHIPP as filed. Maintain 5,000, expect flight level 290 ten minutes after. Squawk 1136, and Mike is the ATIS.
ATC
Speedbird 2, I suppose for this final time we can definitely let you use that special climb. You’re cleared to fly to London Heathrow using the Kennedy 9 exit and the Canarsie route; we’ll guide you toward the SHIPP navigation point as planned. Stay at 5,000 feet, then expect to go up to 29,000 feet ten minutes later. Set your radio ID code to 1136, and we confirm you have the latest weather report.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2, Mike, 1136. Thanks very much indeed. And if you could pass on to your colleagues two or three things: firstly, in a perfect world, we'd like to be wheels rolling at 7:37 local. If we can get a clearance through 105 Alpha direct, that'd be great. But more importantly, if you'd pass on to all your colleagues here our thanks for all the support and help you've given us over the years.
PILOT
This is Concorde 2, confirming the weather and our radio ID. Thank you so much. If you could tell your team a few things: we’re hoping to start moving right at 7:37 local time. If you can clear us to taxi straight through the Alpha intersection, that’d be wonderful. But truly, please tell everyone there how much we appreciate all the help you’ve given us throughout the years.
ATC
Speedbird 2, on behalf of the controllers in Kennedy Tower, and in particular we want to pass on to Captain Bannister, we hope you have a wonderful flight. Over the years, it's been a privilege and an honor to get to work with you all every day in and out of JFK, and you certainly will be missed. We hope you have a wonderful farewell flight and Godspeed. We will be wishing you all the best as you fly over to London.
ATC
Speedbird 2, on behalf of everyone in the Kennedy tower—and especially for Captain Bannister—we wish you a wonderful flight. It’s been a true honor working with you all every day at JFK, and we’re really going to miss seeing you. Have a beautiful farewell journey and Godspeed. We’ll be rooting for you as you head across the ocean to London.
PILOT
That's very kind and thanks to all of you. I wouldn't want to name any but one who I understand has been with you right from the very first day we came: Samuel Cohen. So, thanks to all of you.
PILOT
That is very kind, and we thank all of you. I don't want to leave anyone out, but I have to mention one person who I hear has been with you since the very first day we started flying here: Samuel Cohen. Our thanks to the whole team.
ATC
Well, he will be talking to you when you're at the runway. Ground is .9 when you're ready to taxi. Enjoy your flight.
ATC
Well, Samuel will be the one talking to you when you reach the runway. Switch over to the ground controller on frequency 121.9 when you're ready to move. Enjoy the flight.
PILOT
Ground .9, Speedbird Concorde 2. Good day.
PILOT
Switching to point nine, this is Concorde 2. Good day to you.
PILOT 02
JetBlue 655.
PILOT 02
This is JetBlue flight 655.
PILOT 02
Roger, any chance we can hold short of Juliet behind Speedbird?
PILOT 02
Understood, is there any chance we can wait on the taxiway just behind the Concorde so we can watch him?
ATC
Well, Speedbird—I think I told the last guy—he's not departing for another 20 minutes, 25 minutes or so. If you want to wait, I could find some place to put you.
ATC
Well, as I told the last pilot, he isn't actually taking off for another 20 or 25 minutes. If you really want to wait and watch, I can find a spot to park you.
PILOT 02
Oh, that's okay. Gotta be the on-time machine here.
PILOT 02
Oh, that's alright then. We've got to keep our schedule moving like a machine here.
ATC
Speedbird 2, left turn Golf, right Zulu, hold short of Juliet.
ATC
Concorde 2, turn left onto taxiway Golf, then right onto Zulu, and stop just before you reach taxiway Juliet.
PILOT
Left Golf, right Zulu, hold short Juliet, Speedbird 2.
PILOT
Left on Golf, right on Zulu, stopping before Juliet, Concorde 2.
PILOT 03
So long, Concorde, and have a good flight.
PILOT 03
Goodbye, Concorde, and have a safe flight.
PILOT
Thank you very much indeed. That's very kind of you.
PILOT
Thank you very much indeed. That's very kind of you to say.
PILOT 04
We're going to miss you here at Kennedy.
PILOT 04
We’re really going to miss seeing you here at Kennedy airport.
PILOT
We're going to miss coming to New York.
PILOT
We’re going to miss flying into New York just as much.
PILOT 02
Best wishes from JetBlue.
PILOT 02
All the best from the crew at JetBlue.
PILOT
Thank you.
PILOT
Thank you.
PILOT 05
And from the old Cactus bird.
PILOT 05
And best wishes from the old US Airways crew as well.
ATC
Speedbird 2, Ground. I've only been here five years, not nearly as long as the next guy you're going to talk to, but it's been a pleasure. Hold short of Juliet. He'll get you out right on that release time. You can monitor 119.1.
ATC
Speedbird 2, this is Ground Control. I’ve only worked here for five years, which isn’t nearly as long as the next controller you’re about to talk to, but it’s been an absolute pleasure. Stop just before you reach taxiway Juliet. The tower will get you moving right at your scheduled departure time. You can listen in on frequency 119.1.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2, thanks very much. Ground 119.1. I guess we know who we're going to talk to, but everyone else here has been so helpful and supportive and we're very grateful for that. We'll miss you. Good day.
PILOT
This is Speedbird Concorde 2, thank you very much. Switching to tower frequency 119.1. I think we know exactly which legend we’re about to talk to, but everyone else here has been so helpful and supportive, and we’re very grateful for that. We’ll miss you. Have a good day.
PILOT
Kennedy Tower, Speedbird Concorde 2 heavy is with you for the last time.
PILOT
Kennedy Tower, this large Speedbird Concorde 2 is checking in with you for the very last time.
ATC
Speedbird 2, that's great. Thank you very much indeed. We'd like to release brakes at about 37 and 50 seconds.
ATC
Speedbird 2, it's great to have you. Thank you very much indeed. We’d like you to start your takeoff roll at exactly 37 minutes and 50 seconds past the hour.
PILOT
Roger.
PILOT
Understood.
PILOT 06
Kennedy Tower, American Eagle 830.
PILOT 06
Kennedy Tower, this is American Eagle flight 830.
ATC
American Eagle 830, Kennedy Tower.
ATC
American Eagle 830, go ahead, this is Kennedy Tower.
PILOT 06
Yes sir. Speedbird 2's on the radio, we just wanted to pass along best wishes and Godspeed. We're going to miss you there. We just departed LaGuardia; wish we were over at Kennedy.
PILOT 06
Yes sir. Since we heard Speedbird 2 on the radio, we just wanted to pass along our best wishes and a safe journey. We’re going to miss seeing you out there. We just took off from LaGuardia; I really wish we were over at Kennedy to see you off.
PILOT
Speedbird 2 here. Thanks for that. We're going to miss you all.
PILOT
Speedbird 2 here. Thanks for those words. We’re going to miss all of you.
PILOT 07
American 205, the old quality Concorde up at the intersection.
PILOT 07
This is American 205, just looking at that beautiful old Concorde waiting up there at the runway intersection.
ATC
Speedbird 2, you can plan to follow the express.
ATC
Speedbird 2, you can plan to follow the fast-track route out of here.
ATC
Speedbird 2 heavy, position and hold, caution wake turbulence departing Airbus.
ATC
Speedbird 2, pull out onto the runway and wait there, but be careful of the turbulent air left behind by that departing Airbus.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2 heavy, position and hold 31 Left.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2, we’re moving onto runway 31 Left to wait for departure.
ATC
Speedbird 2 heavy, be advised I happen to have the good luck of being here and issuing the first landing clearance to the Concorde here at JFK back in '77. I just want to say it's been wonderful working with your aircraft, and I wish good luck to all the crews. We're going to miss you.
ATC
Speedbird 2, just so you know, I was lucky enough to be the one who gave the very first Concorde permission to land here at JFK back in '77. It’s been a real pleasure working with your plane, and I wish the best of luck to all the crews. We’re really going to miss seeing you.
PILOT
Well, we're very, very grateful indeed for all your help, especially over such a long period. It's been great knowing you and we're going to miss you a lot.
PILOT
Well, we are very, very grateful for all your help, especially over such a long time. It’s been great knowing you and we’re going to miss you a lot, too.
ATC
Thank you. The time now is 35, your discretion. You can roll to plan your liftoff at 37. Wind 300 at 13, maintain 4,000, cleared for takeoff.
ATC
Thank you. It’s 35 minutes past the hour, so start whenever you're ready. You can begin your roll to time your liftoff for 37 past. Wind is from the northwest at 13 knots, stay at 4,000 feet, you are cleared for takeoff.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2, cleared takeoff 31 Left. We're cleared to roll to meet our departure time. We'll start the takeoff roll at 37 and 50 and maintain 4,000.
PILOT
Speedbird Concorde 2, cleared for takeoff on runway 31 Left. We're moving now to hit our time, starting our full takeoff run at 37 minutes and 50 seconds, and we'll stay at 4,000 feet.
PILOT 08
Ground, American 699...
PILOT 08
JFK Ground, this is American flight 699...
ATC
Yes sir.
ATC
Go ahead, sir.
PILOT 08
Any chance we can hold here at Bravo or anywhere in this area, sir, if we're not blocking anybody?
PILOT 08
Is there any way we can park here on taxiway Bravo or somewhere around here, sir, if we’re not in anyone's way?
ATC
American 699, why don't you transition over to Alpha and then you can hold on Alpha? Do you need your system...?
ATC
American 699, why don't you move over to taxiway Alpha and wait there instead? Do you need to check a system...?
PILOT 08
Negative.
PILOT 08
No, we're fine.
PILOT 09
Kennedy Ground, American 59 heavy. Can we hold here for a second to double-check something?
PILOT 09
JFK Ground, this is American flight 59, a large aircraft. Can we stay right here for a second to double-check something?
ATC
Yep.
ATC
Sure.
PILOT 09
Thanks.
PILOT 09
Thanks.
PILOT 10
Kennedy Ground, United 3 heavy, we're ready to go now.
PILOT 10
Kennedy Ground, this is United flight 3, our big jet is ready to start taxiing now.
ATC
United 3, taxi left Zulu, hold short of Zulu.
ATC
United 3, turn left onto taxiway Zulu, but stop just before you reach the Zulu intersection.
PILOT 10
Left Zulu, hold short of Zulu, United 3.
PILOT 10
Turning left on Zulu and stopping just before the intersection, United 3.
ATC
Speedbird 2 heavy, contact New York Departure. So long.
ATC
Speedbird 2, your large Concorde is cleared to switch over to New York Departure. Take care.
PILOT
Speedbird 2 to Departure. Good day, Samuel. So long.
PILOT
Speedbird 2 switching to Departure. Have a good one, Samuel. See you later.
PILOT
Speedbird 2 heavy is with you for the last time.
PILOT
New York Departure, this is the Speedbird 2 Concorde checking in with you for the very last time.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2 heavy, New York Departure. Good morning. Radar contact, climb and maintain 13,000.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2, this is New York Departure. Good morning. We have you on our radar; go ahead and climb up to 13,000 feet and stay there.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, climb maintain 13,000.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, climbing to and staying at 13,000 feet.
ATC
Speedbird 2, left 150.
ATC
Speedbird 2, turn left to a heading of 150 degrees.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2 heavy, proceed direct to LIND, resume own navigation and climb and maintain 17,000.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2, fly straight toward the LIND navigation point, you can handle your own steering from here, and climb up to 17,000 feet.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, direct LIND, own nav, climb 17,000.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, heading straight for LIND, navigating ourselves, and climbing to 17,000 feet.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2, I was the first controller to give you the approach clearance on the first flight into Kennedy, so I'd like to thank you and all the crews that have worked the flight through the years for your professionalism. We'd like to wish you good luck as you soar towards the sunshine there to the east. We just appreciate all the fine professionalism and hard work that you guys put in through the years, and it was a pleasure for us to serve you.
ATC
Speedbird Concorde 2, I was actually the first controller to clear you for landing on your very first flight into Kennedy, so I want to thank you and all the crews who have flown this route over the years for your professionalism. We wish you the best of luck as you soar east toward the sunshine. We just appreciate the hard work you guys put in through the years, and it was a true pleasure to serve you.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, we really appreciate that. Thank you very much indeed. We couldn't have done any of this without the support of all our friends and colleagues in the USA—particularly in ATC in the USA who have been so helpful and supportive. We really do appreciate it.
PILOT
Speedbird 2, we really appreciate those words. Thank you very much indeed. We couldn't have done any of this without the support of all our friends and colleagues in the States—especially the American controllers who have been so helpful and supportive. We truly do appreciate it.
ATC
Speedbird 2, thank you for those words. Contact New York Center 128.3. Cheerio.
ATC
Speedbird 2, thank you for those kind words. Switch over now to New York Center on radio frequency 128.3. Cheerio.
PILOT
128.3, Speedbird Concorde 2. Have a nice day.
PILOT
Switching to 128.3, Speedbird Concorde 2. Have a nice day.
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