Business Movers Summary: Concorde: Sonic Boom and Bust | The Crash | 4

Episode Release Date: October 3, 2024
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by: Wondery

Introduction

In the poignant finale of the four-part series "Sonic Boom and Bust," Business Movers delves into the dramatic rise and eventual fall of the Concorde, the world's only supersonic passenger jet. This episode chronicles the pivotal events surrounding the tragic crash of Air France Flight 4590, the ensuing investigation, and the relentless efforts to salvage Concorde's legacy. Through the eyes of Mike Bannister, the chief pilot for British Airways' Concorde fleet, listeners gain an intimate perspective on the challenges faced by those dedicated to maintaining this technological marvel.

The Fateful Day: July 25, 2000

The episode opens on a summer day in July 2000, where Mike Bannister eagerly anticipates a family vacation aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 liner. However, his plans are abruptly interrupted when he receives an urgent call from British Airways Crisis Center at Heathrow Airport. (00:59)

Mike Bannister: "Call British Airways, most urgent." (00:11)

The news is devastating: Air France Flight 4590, a Concorde, has crashed shortly after takeoff from Charles de Gaulle Airport, marking the first fatal Concorde accident in its 25-year history. The crash not only shattered Concorde's impeccable safety record but also ignited fears about its future. (01:11 - 03:30)

Immediate Aftermath and Investigation

Mike arrives at the Crisis Center, grappling with the gravity of the situation. The investigation initially points to a single cause: debris on the runway from a previously damaged aircraft. This debris caused a tire rupture, leading to fuel tank damage and a catastrophic fire. (05:29 - 12:24)

Robin Tyrderman, British Air Accidents Investigation Branch: "The plane had run over a piece of metal debris... a single point of failure." (08:10 - 09:02)

However, Bannister remains unconvinced that the crash resulted solely from this incident. He suspects multiple factors, including human error and procedural breaches, contributed to the disaster. The investigation reveals that the flight crew made critical mistakes, such as shutting down an engine prematurely and attempting to take off with insufficient speed and excessive weight. These revelations complicate the narrative, suggesting that Concorde's design, while robust, was not immune to such compounded errors. (12:24 - 14:11)

Efforts to Revive Concorde

Despite the tragic accident, British Airways decides to resume Concorde flights swiftly to maintain customer confidence and protect their investment. Mike Bannister is appointed as the chief technical advisor to ensure the investigation's integrity and advocate for Concorde's continued operation. (10:10 - 17:39)

In May 2001, Bannister witnesses Concorde undergoing rigorous safety tests in Southern France. Collaborating with Henri Perrier, the head of the Concorde program in France, they monitor the modified aircraft's performance, focusing on burst-resistant tires and redesigned fuel tanks. The successful tests rekindle hope that Concorde can return to commercial service safely. (20:02 - 25:01)

Henri Perrier: "We did that earlier. Tires passed flying colors." (20:24 - 20:27)

British Airways launches a subtle PR campaign to reassure existing customers and reignite enthusiasm for Concorde. Refurbishments, including a modernized cabin design by Sir Terence Conran, aim to blend luxury with enhanced safety. Political support also surfaces, with the British Parliament passing a motion congratulating the Concorde team and urging the resumption of services. (25:29 - 27:16)

Unfortunate Timing: September 11, 2001

As Concorde prepares to relaunch, the September 11 terrorist attacks strike, profoundly impacting the aviation industry. With many Concorde passengers employed at the World Trade Center, the attacks cast a shadow over the supersonic jet's revival. International air travel demand plummets, forcing British Airways and Air France to postpone the return of Concorde flights. The timing proves catastrophic, as the industry reels from unprecedented turmoil, further complicating Concorde's already precarious position. (30:09 - 30:58)

Final Struggles and Retirement

Despite lingering uncertainties, British Airways resumes transatlantic Concorde services in November 2001. However, maintaining the fleet proves increasingly unsustainable amid soaring operational costs and diminished passenger numbers. By early 2003, Air France announces the retirement of its Concorde fleet, leaving British Airways without a partner to share the financial burdens. Mike Bannister champions one last fight to preserve Concorde, highlighting its technological significance and quoting astronaut Neil Armstrong to underscore its legacy. Unfortunately, market realities prevail, and British Airways joins its French counterpart in grounding the supersonic jets in April 2003. (31:40 - 37:50)

Mike Bannister: "From Wonder E this is the fourth episode of Sonic Boom and Bust for Business Movers." (40:31)

A Triumphant Farewell

Refusing to let Concorde's story end quietly, British Airways organizes farewell flights filled with enthusiastic passengers eager to experience the supersonic journey one last time. On October 24, 2003, Mike Bannister pilots Concorde on its final commercial flights from JFK to London and Paris. The landings are met with jubilant crowds, celebrating the jet's storied career and its contributions to aviation history. (37:48 - 40:31)

Mike Bannister: "It was a triumphant final bow that Concorde deserved." (37:48)

Conclusion: Legacy of Concorde

Business Movers poignantly reflects on Concorde's dual legacy of innovation and its inability to sustain in a changing world. Despite its undeniable technical achievements and the passion of individuals like Mike Bannister, Concorde remains an emblem of a bygone era of aviation. The episode underscores the complexities of balancing technological ambition with economic viability, leaving listeners to ponder the future of supersonic travel.

Narrator: "Concorde was a dream... but like any dream, ultimately it couldn't last." (39:24 - 39:45)

Recommendations

For those wishing to delve deeper into Concorde's history, Mike Bannister recommends the book Concorde, the BBC documentary A Supersonic Story, and the website Heritage Concord.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Bannister: "Whatever happened here, it wasn't due to a single freak event. I put money on that." (03:30)

• Henri Perrier: "We did that earlier. Tires passed flying colors." (20:24 - 20:27)

• Robin Tyrderman: "This is their opportunity to bury Concorde." (09:04)

• Mike Bannister: "I have faith plenty of us do." (20:24)

• Mike Bannister: "It was a triumphant final bow that Concorde deserved." (37:48)

Credits:

Business Movers is hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsey Graham for Wondery. Additional production credits include Emma Dibdin (writer and researcher), William Simpson for Airship, and Erin O'Flaherty, Jenny Lauer Beckman, and Marshall Louie for Wondery. Sound design by Gabriel Gould and music by Lindsey Graham complement the immersive storytelling.

Business Movers provides a compelling narrative of Concorde's journey, highlighting the intricate interplay between innovation, business decisions, and unforeseen global events. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the episode honors the legacy of a jet that once symbolized the pinnacle of human engineering and ambition.