The de Havilland DH.106 ‘Comet’ series is famous for having been the world’s first-ever commercial jet-powered airliner. The type entered service with BOAC in May 1952, less than three years after taking its first flight. The aircraft’s final commercial user was Dan-Air, who operated the Comet’s final passenger-carrying flight 41 years ago today.
An extensive fleet
While the Comet was a ground-breaking aircraft, it also had its share of teething problems when it came to safety. In its early years, a series of crashes plagued the type, caused by structural issues and metal fatigue. As such, the Comet hasn’t gone down in history as a bestseller. Indeed, de Havilland produced just 114 examples between 1949 and 1964.
That being said, certain airlines still had a strong affinity with the world’s first commercial jetliner. One of these was British carrier Dan-Air, which flew nearly 50 examples. As Simple Flying explored earlier this year, the airline acquired its Comets on a second-hand basis during the 1960s and 1970s. In the end, Dan-Air ended up flying three Comet variants.
Of these, data from ATDB.aero shows that the Comet 4 was the most numerous, clocking in at 18 examples. Dan-Air also flew the 4B and 4C versions, operating 14 examples apiece. 41 years ago, it flew the last passenger-carrying flight of the latter of these designs.
The final flight
Dan-Air began flying the de Havilland Comet 4C in April 1971, and this variant served the airline for just over a decade. The carrier’s relationship with the type came to an end 41 years ago today, on November 9th, 1981, when it operated its final passenger-carrying Comet flight. The service departed from London Gatwick, which was one of Dan-Air’s hubs.
According to Flickr user Barry Lewis, the farewell service traveled first to London Heathrow. Here, the Comet made a low pass over the UK’s busiest airport, before continuing towards RAF Brize Norton. This was an apt destination, as the plane (G-BDIW) had previously flown for the RAF as XR398. Here, the aircraft made another low pass over its former home.
All passengers onboard the aircraft were given certificates to mark their attendance on the Comet’s final passenger-carrying flight. G-BDIW then went to Germany for preservation, where it was displayed at the Flugausstellung Peter Junior museum in Hermeskeil.
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Further non-passenger Comet use
November 1981 marked the end of the Comet’s service life as far as passenger use was concerned. However, the type remained active in another domain, namely for the UK’s Ministry of Technology. According to the Welwyn Hatfield Times, this governmental department used the Comet for research into avionics, radar, and radio-based technology.
This aircraft remained active until its own retirement, which took place in March 1997. This brought an end to around 45 years of Comet operations, not a bad total considering its relatively low production output. Formerly registered as XS235, this aircraft now forms part of the Coldwar Jets Collection at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire.
What are your memories of Dan-Air’s de Havilland Comet fleet? Did you ever fly on the type? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
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