RED Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Bond said Saturday’s 747 flypast was months in the planning.

Conversations between the RAF aerobatics team and British Airways began last Autumn and the red-suited pilots used the company’s 747 simulators at Heathrow to help run through how the flight would work.

“The Red Arrows do several flypasts during the season. In contrast, British Airways fly passengers to and from destinations across the world. It took some coordination and planning between the two of us over the last few months,” he said.

The pilot added of the flypast: “It was very special, because it’s the 100th anniversary of British Airways this year.

“We were helping celebrate two very iconic, British organisations flying together. It was a delight to be part of this occasion, at such a huge event here in the UK.”

Asked what advice he would give youngsters interested in following his footsteps into the famous red jet cockpit, Flt Lt Bond said: “Just take advantage of every opportunity you get – whether that’s at school, university or the RAF Air Cadets.

"If you think something isn’t for me, give It a go. You never know,you might end up enjoying it.

"Don’t say no – that is probably the biggest advice I would give.”