They rumbled down the runway in perfect formation as if taking part in an audacious international air show.
Which is exactly what it was, as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic temporarily put aside their rivalry to mark the first day British travellers could once again fly to the United States – complete with a synchronised take-off of two Airbus A350s bound for New York from Heathrow.
Crew waved US flags, passengers were given jam doughnuts decorated with the Stars and