Heathrow, which connects the UK to more than 80 countries around the globe, reveals the most iconic journey is The Beatle’s first tour of America in 1964. The band left on Pan Am Flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK with 3,000 fans present to see them off with an astounding 5,000 fans and 200 journalists and photographers greeting them on their arrival state-side.
Coming second in list of legendary trips by leaders in fashion, film and business is Bob Geldof’s departure to Ethiopia according to the study conducted by Heathrow. The visit in 1985 led to the creation of Live Aid which took just 10 weeks to put together.
Following the Boomtown Rats’ frontman is David Attenborough who began the journey to film his Life series in 1979.The series has influenced generations ever since and documents the globe’s most exciting and intriguing wildlife. Also making an appearance is Princess Diana for her travels to call for an international ban on landmines during her visit to Luanda in 1997.
The top 10 most popular departures as voted by the nation include:
- The Beatles’ first tour to America in 1964 [49%]
- Bob Geldof’s visit to Ethiopia which inspired the creation of Live Aid in 1984 [40%]
- David Attenborough’s first journey to begin filming for the wildlife documentary series, Life, in 1979 [38%]
- Princess Diana’s journey to Luanda to call for an international ban on landmines in 1997 [38%]
- Concorde G-BOAD’s record breaking Atlantic crossing in 1996, the journey from London to New York took 2 hours 52 minutes 59 seconds [35%]
- The first wave of RAF aircrafts took flight in the Battle of Britain in July, 1940 [33%]
- Winston Churchill’s journey in 1941 to meet Franklin D. Roosevelt in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland to discuss the US’s role in WWII [33%]
- Francis Crick’s journey to America in 1953 following the discovery of DNA to focus his study on neuroscience and brain research [31%]
- Tim Berners-Lee travels to CERN in 1980 to become a fellow, where he sees the opportunity to join hypertext with the Internet, creating the World Wide Web [28%]
- Michael Caine travels to Turin, Italy to film the iconic car chase scenes from 'The Italian job' in 1969 [27%]
Historian, Dominic Sandbrook, said, “Britain has always been a land of explorers and entertainers, inventors and innovators. It’s no surprise to see the great landmarks of the Second World War on the list. But I think the public’s choices also reflect our historic strengths in everything from philanthropy and popular culture to science and technology. It’s a valuable reminder that we’re at our best when we face outwards, as a nation of international ambitions and global horizons.”
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s Development Director, commented, “For seventy years, Heathrow has witnessed amazing departures and welcomed an array of British talent back home. The many iconic journeys in business, technology and science that feature heavily in the top 100 all demonstrate how important it is to have a world class hub directly connecting the UK to future international success.”
Heathrow polled 2,000 people through independent polling agency Markettiers 4DC on 04.03.2014.
The full list is available on request.
