For the families trapped in Berlin by the Russian blockade, the distinctive noise of the Douglas DC-3 signalled a vital lifeline with the West.

But the much-loved aircraft – known as the Dakota – will no longer carry passengers after Eurocrats imposed new safety regulations.

In a tribute to the plane which revolutionised air transport, a Dakota owned by Air Atlantique took off from Coventry airport yesterday for a final passenger flight over Stratford and Warwick before it was grounded.

At the ceremony was former RAF mechanic Alan Hartley, 83, from Coventry, who was stationed near Ciren­cester, Gloucestershire, with pilot Jimmy Edwards, who later became a comedy actor.   

He said: “I’m disgusted the planes will no longer carry passengers in this country. Today is a very sad day.”

Air enthusiasts queue for the final flight of a Douglas DC3 at Coventry Airport

More than 10,000 of the 64ft planes were produced but experts believe there are just 250 left worldwide. They were used as troop carriers during the Second World War at Arnhem in Holland, over the Rhine and in hundreds of other military operations.

During the Berlin airlift, the aircraft was part of a mercy mission carrying coal, food and fuel to the besieged city.

There are six Dakotas still in service in the UK. Air Atlantique commercial director Richard Parr is battling for an exemption from the EU to allow passenger flights.

I’m disgusted the planes will no longer carry passengers in this country. Today is a very sad day.

RAF mechanic Alan Hartley

“It’s really about keeping these aircraft living and flying for people to see and not putting them in museums to become stuffed birds,” he said.