G-APDB

G-APDB

De Havilland 106 Comet 4

c/n 6403 ex 9M-AOB, G-APDB

Regd 2.5.57 to BOAC and f/f 27.7.58 at Hatfield. CofA flight tests from 8.9.58 and flown to Heathrow 12.9.58. CofA issued 29.9.58 and formally delivered to BOAC next day. Flown to new York 2.10.58 ready for return two days later, when, with G-APDC in the opposite direction, it made the first Atlantic crossing by passenger jet with fare-paying passengers. Also used for first Royal flight in a Comet taking HRH Duke of Edimburgh to Canada 28.10.58. Sold to Malaysian Airways 11.5.65 although marks not Cld until 9.9.65 and Re-Regd next day as 9M-AOB. Operator became Malaysian-Singapore Airlines in 12.66. Sold to Dan-Air Services Ltd arriving at Gatwick 15.10.69 and Re-Regd 17.6.70 as G-APDB. Entered service 7.8.70. Last commercial flight 23.11.73 and retired to Lasham for preparation for donation to the East Anglian Aviation Society (later Duxford Aviation Society) and flown in from Lasham 2.2.74 to Duxford. Total time 36.269 hours and 15,733 landings. Repainted in original BOAC colours 12.06 preparatory to final installation in Hangar1/AirSpace