British Airways operates a large and diverse fleet consisting of nearly 300 aircraft. As is necessary
in the world of aviation, each of these bears a unique registration for identification purposes.
These all start with the letter G, signifying they’re UK registration,
but the airline has seen to it that the remaining four letters
carry various meanings. Let’s look at some examples in today’s video…
Using data compiled by Travel Update and Speedbird TV, some examples are fairly evident at face
value, and don't require such a detective-like approach. Let’s first look at the British Airways
Airbus A320 registered as G-EUUY. The 'G-'EU**' pattern refers to the European Union, in which
BA's narrowbodies do most of their flying. The registrations given to the Embraer jets
that fly for the airline’s regional subsidiary, BA Cityflyer, also have conspicuous meanings.
Their 'G-LCY*' designations feature the IATA code for London City Airport (LCY), where these
aircraft are based. Similarly, Gatwick-based jets sometimes had 'G-GAT*' registrations.
Certain registrations also reflect the airlines that it has acquired over the years.
For example, ex-BMI aircraft use the 'G-MID*' pattern, with the letters M.I.D. referring
to BMI's former 'British Midland' identity. Likewise, former British Mediterranean Airways
jets feature 'G-MED* registration templates. Furthermore, the carrier's Boeing 777-200ERs with
'G-YMM*' refer to the fact that they were first delivered in the year 2000
(M.M. in Roman numerals). Similarly, BA's 'G-VII*' 777-200ERs
have registrations that reference the Roman numeral for the number seven.
And the airline's larger 777-300ERs? Well, with registrations following the 'G-STB*' pattern,
these make reference to the fact that the aircraft is a stretched Boeing design.
One notable exception when it comes to BA's triple-sevens
is a 777-200ER registered as G-RAES, the initials of the Royal Aeronautical Engineering Society.
Looking at the airline's Airbus widebodies, the registrations of its Airbus A350-1000s are fairly
easy to decipher. Following the 'G-XWB*' pattern, they refer to the aircraft's 'eXtra Wide Body,'
which Airbus markets as a selling point. Meanwhile, BA's first A380 was G-XLEA,
with the XL making a conspicuous reference to the superjumbo's size.
Its other A380s are registered as G-XLEB, and so forth.
Going back in time, most of its Boeing 767-300ERs had 'G-BNW*' registrations,
with the three letters reportedly standing for 'Brand New Widebody.' Similarly,
some 747-400s followed on from G-BNLA, which was said to have stood for 'Brand New Large Aircraft.'
The Concorde fleet also had special registrations, which ran from G-BOAA
through to G-BOAG. These referred to the fact that they were originally ordered by British
Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), which later merged with British European Airways to form BA.
Did you know about British Airways' registration patterns and meanings?
Do you have a particular favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!