British Airways Concorde Will Take Off in Edmonton

The British Airways Concorde supersonic jet will come to Edmonton this May.

“We had some concerns late last week because sales were a bit soft,” said Garry King, Chairman of the Edmonton International Air Show, “but as soon as there was a rumour that we might have to cancel the Concorde’s visit, our phones rang off the hook.”

As of this morning, more than half of the Champagne Flights to Nowhere had been spoken for. “Sales are quite a bit weaker on the Toronto-Edmonton and Edmonton-Toronto routes,” said King, “but we are confident that we will be able to put together some packages that will make the Toronto-Edmonton legs an absolutely awesome and memorable trip for people.”

The Air Show will be asking corporations to consider buying Concorde seats to raffle off to staff members, or to donate to charity for fundraising or rewards. The Committee will also look at such enticements as celebrities on board to meet and greet the passengers. Packages are already available in conjunction with Air Canada for a return flight from Toronto for only $200 extra.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to fly Mach II, twice the speed of sound,” said King. “It’s also another way of putting Edmonton on the map, and we’re confident that the Alberta business community and private individuals will get involved.”

The Concorde’s schedule and prices are as follows:

May 17 — Depart London at 0900; Arrive Toronto at 0800 — $2999
May 17 — Depart Toronto at 1000; Arrive Edmonton at 1100 — $1799*
May 17 — Champagne Flight to Nowhere, 1300 to 1500 — $999
*(return trip package available on Air Canada for $1999)

May 18 — Champagne Flight to Nowhere, 1000 to 1200 — $999
May 18 — Depart Edmonton at 1400; Arrive Toronto at 1700 — $1799*
*(return trip package available on Air Canada for $1999)

May 19 — Depart Toronto at 0900; Arrive London at 1800 — $2999

Tickets are available from any travel agent, or call the Air Show office at 890-8055.