New Yorkers allow loaned Concorde to rot in abandoned airfield

New York, July 9 : Fury has erupted over the shabby treatment of the supersonic airliner, Concorde, in New York.

The jet, one of 20 Concordes built, had been loaned by British Airways to New York's USS Intrepid Air-Sea Museum, but was moved when a pier was rebuilt. Today, according to the New York Daily News, it lies rotting and vandalised - abandoned on an old airfield.

The iconic jet has had its nose cut off by a lorry, its windscreen cracked by footballs and its engines full of birds' nests. Its wheels and fuselage are spattered with bird droppings, while the paint has peeled off.

U.S. air expert Phil Derner Junior was quoted as saying that the jet was a "victim of abuse and carelessness".

British Airways executives have demanded to know why the plane, also known as "Alpha Delta", - has been left to rot.

Intrepid museum boss Bill White said steps were being taken to end the scandal.

Alpha Delta first flew in 1976 and set a transatlantic flight record.

Seven Concordes are displayed in Britain at locations, including Manchester, Heathrow and Bristol after the fleet was grounded in 2003.

ANI