I feel quite sad that it is 10 years ago today that Concorde last flew - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24629451. I wonder how different its success or failure would have panned out, had it been an 'American' invention??? During my RAF years, I was on a standby Air Traffic Control Tower at RAF Finningley (now Robin Hood Airport), when a call came through - "Finningley Tower this is Speedbird Alpha - request permission to land!" and a few seconds later, Concorde touched down and then taxied just in front of the crowd. The passengres on board then had VIP seating towatch the remainder of the air display. After it took off on its return to Heathrow, it came over for a low fly past. A memorable day indeed!!!
I guess it's ultimate success or failure would have depended on the cost of the flight, as it was too expensive and exclusive. Arriving at New York a bit quicker is great (for some), but not at any cost (for the majority)
Technology played a large part too. Had it come along ten years earlier, before the net was such a powerful tool, perhaps shaving a bit of time off a transatlantic flight would have made sense to more people. Now though, you'd just email or video call someone over the internet if time was of the essence.
Love it Dave. That is one of my favourite photos!! I remember I was at RAF Locking when one evening I looked up and there was Concorde seemingly bathed in sunlight from below - an awsome sight. You make a very good point DHCanary - would passengers have been willing to pay the huge prices for a ticket nowdays. In truth, I guess not.
