It happened on this day - 21st Jan in 1976

On this day in history, 21st January 1976, two concordes set off with commercial passengers simultaneously from London and Paris to Bahrain and Rio de Janeiro respectively.

The first commercial flights of Concorde from London and Paris were historic moments in aviation. On January 21, 1976, British Airways' Concorde flight from London Heathrow marked the beginning of commercial supersonic air travel with its departure to Bahrain. The flight, which was part of a special service before the more regular New York routes, was a symbolic event showcasing Concorde’s supersonic capabilities for the first time. The service was offered as part of a series of demonstration flights and aimed to test the market for Concorde’s long-range flights. British Airways, initially running limited routes to destinations such as Bahrain, would later expand their Concorde services.

On the same day, Air France launched their own Concorde service from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. This flight was notable for being the first long-haul commercial flight with passengers aboard on the Concorde. The Paris-to-Rio route marked another milestone in supersonic air travel, emphasizing Concorde's ability to cover international distances at unprecedented speeds. Both services showcased the cutting-edge technology of the Concorde, offering luxurious and supersonic experiences, but also highlighted the challenges and high operational costs that would ultimately limit its broader commercial success. These flights were a demonstration of the aircraft’s potential, as the Concorde began its era of groundbreaking but niche air travel.