Concorde nose to be auctioned for charity

Published: September 11, 2003 | 153rd good news item since 2003

Air France is auctioning off the nose of the famed Concorde jetliner.

The trademark “droop-snoop” will be put up for sale at Christie’s in Paris on November 15.

Other Concorde parts, including two engines, pilot’s seats and flight manuals, will also go under the hammer.

Jean-Cyril Spinetta, Air France chief executive, said: “We have decided to entrust Christie’s with this auction and offer everyone a unique opportunity to purchase a piece of Concorde history.”

Air France’s Concorde made its last flight on May 30, and British Airways will retire its fleet after farewell flights during the week of October 20.

Some of the items – such as the nose – will come from working Concorde jets, while others are stock parts that have never flown, Air France said.

The nose is expected to sell for up to £10,000. Proceeds will go to an Air France foundation dedicated to the well-being of children.

A statement promoting the auction said: “Aside from the nose, many parts of the aircraft when viewed individually become objects in themselves worthy of a contemporary art collection.”

Published in Charity
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