Seattle, WA., November 6, 2003 – When British Air retired the 1200-mile-per-hour Concorde in October 2003, 75 museums around the world asked for one of the seven planes for display. Seattle's Museum of Flight acquired one, and at the VIP reception on Nov. 5, 2003, Samuel Smith and Melbourn Bros. were there to greet the British Air crew and over 1000 guests with an authentic taste of England.

Britons and even Beefeaters were in attendence.

Sleek, 1200 mph speed, and 62,000 ft. cruising elevation.

The Concorde's nose droops not only for visibility during landing and takeoff, but in the words of British Air Captain Mike Bannister, "to salute her new home, the fine Museum of Flight."

Merchant du Vin President Rich Hamilton and Captain Mike Bannister.

Washington Governor Gary Locke welcomes the Concorde and her crew.

Fine Ales courtesy Samuel Smith and Melbourn Bros., fine aircraft courtesy British Air.