Airbus has announced it is scrapping its formidable A380 programme – and many of the mammoth carriers are heading for the scrap heap. Some Boeing 747s, by contrast, enjoy a more colourful afterlife.

Bahrain is sinking a retired 747 in the Persian Gulf in a bid to attract divers to a new 100,000m2 ‘underwater theme park’ – and the plane is to be the pièce de résistance.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) says the plane will be decommissioned correctly and will be eco-friendly to promote marine life growth. This involves removing all toxins and contaminants such as wiring, hydraulics, pneumatic and fuel systems – as well as all adhesives, insulation and chemicals.

The dive site will be ready by mid-year.