DFW Airport: First Concorde Landing and a Year of Supersonic History

Dallas Fort Worth Airport's Unique Place in Concorde History In September 1973, the newly constructed Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) made history by hosting the very first Concorde visit to the United States. This wasn't just any Concorde; it was a special pre-production model, reportedly the second one ever built, sporting a unique livery combining British Airways and Air France branding. The airport's massive size, the largest in the world by land area at its opening, made it an ideal location for a Concorde open house and dedication ceremony. "The very first Concorde to land in the US was actually a special pre-production model," explains Abbie Cheeseman, a history enthusiast who created a TikTok video about the event. The video shows images of the Concorde at DFW, along with footage of the airport's opening. DFW's strategic location and size made it a natural choice for the Concorde's promotional tour. The Concorde's appearance generated significant excitement and publicity for the new airport. Braniff Airlines subsequently operated Concorde flights from DFW to Washington Dulles for approximately one year, from 1979 to 1980, before Air France or British Airways took over for the transatlantic leg to London or Paris. These flights, however, were not supersonic over land due to regulations. This event cemented DFW's place in aviation history, showcasing the airport's ambition and vision from its earliest days. The Concorde's visit remains a memorable chapter in DFW's story, highlighting its early success and global significance.