Customers have boarded a British Airways’ Boeing 737 for the last time as the retiring plane marks its final flight with a trip to Turin.

As the airline continues to modernise its aircraft fleet, the BA2578 from Gatwick to Turin, and the return service BA2579 were the last time customers could fly on a British Airways 737.

The 737 fleet has been the mainstay of the carrier’s short-haul network for the last 35 years after the first 737-200s first entered service for British Airways in 1980, replacing the Trident fleet on UK and European routes.

The final return flight was flown by an all-female pilot team, captain Christine Scott and first officer Gillian Tunley.

Scott said: “I’ve been flying the 737 for 19 years, and have loved every moment.

“It’s a terrific aircraft to fly and has proved incredibly safe, comfortable and reliable for our customers over the past four decades.

“I’m pleased that this will continue with the Airbus 320s replacing the 737 on short-haul routes at Gatwick.”

In total 15 new aircraft will join the British Airways fleet in 2015 including two A380s, the first five Boeing 787-9s and eight A320s replacing the 737 at Gatwick.

British Airways ordered a total 12 A380 super jumbos, 42 787 Dreamliners and 18 A350s.