The seating plan caused little disruption though, with Team GB athletes all smiles as they departed in Rio, and the method has been seen as another incentive for athletes planning to compete in Tokyo in four years’ time to push even harder in order to gain similar recognition among their teammates.
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The Queen has congratulated Team GB on their medal haul in Rio, describing their performance as “outstanding”.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Rio games on Sunday, UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl said: “We’re making sporting history – 67 medals, almost 130 medallists, across 19 sports”.
The plane carried back poles for the pole vault, bicycles, javelins and a 6.7-metre sail, while 77 bottles of champagne and a three-course menu were on offer.
Britain managed to secure an incredible 67 medals at the Games, improving on a tally of 65 from London 2012, and a star-studded group of the team’s sportsmen and sportswomen landed at Heathrow on Tuesday morning.
Athletes posted selfies with medals and glasses of champagne on board the flight as they celebrated becoming the first country to better a home medal count at the following Olympics.
Alistair Brownlee (L) and Liam Heath of Great Britain chat during the Team GB flight back from Rio.
When taking into account team victories such as the GB women’s hockey team, it would be a busy day for Buckingham palace with 127 people returning home from the Olympics with a medal around their neck.
As were friends, family and fans.
Downing Street also said there would be “no formal cap” on the number of honours after their “amazing two weeks” that can be handed out to Team GB medal winners.
She said: “I send my best wishes to all those who contributed to this remarkable achievement”.
The British Airways plane flying Team GB home from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games has been named “victoRIOus” by the carrier.
Andy Murray, Justin Rose, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Jason Kenny and Laura Trott had all left Brazil earlier than the bulk of the Team GB colleagues.
The Duke and Duchess, meanwhile, lauded the team’s achievement as an “inspiration to us all, young and old”.
Many stars of London 2012 also successfully defended their crowns four years on, including Mo Farah on the track, Nicola Adams in the boxing ring and Jade Jones on the taekwondo mats.
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Prime Minister Theresa May has announced there will be a parade in Manchester and a further event in London in October.
