AUSTIN- Flag carrier of UK, British Airways (BA) celebrates a decade of providing non-stop flights between the dynamic city of Austin (AUS), Texas, and London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Since the inaugural service on March 3, 2014, British Airways has transported over 1.25 million customers between Austin and the United Kingdom.
British Airways London-Austin Flight
To mark this significant milestone, festivities were organized at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport preceding the departure of BA190 to London Heathrow on March 3, 2024. Customers enjoyed live music, giveaways, and speeches as part of the commemoration.
To commemorate the anniversary in the capital of the Lonestar State, known for its celebration of local brands, British Airways collaborated with Austin’s famed barbecue establishment, Franklin Barbecue.
They crafted limited edition bottles of Franklin Barbecue’s Original BBQ sauce, cleverly labeled as BA-B-Q sauce. These exclusive bottles will be gifted to premium customers traveling from Austin to London throughout March.
Additionally, customers flying from Austin during the anniversary month will be treated to a Texas-inspired barbecue menu on board. This special menu will highlight the robust and flavorful essence of Austin’s barbecue tradition, featuring dishes such as lightly smoked beef brisket in Club World (business) and BBQ chicken in World Traveller (economy). These offerings pay homage to the city’s renowned barbecue culture.
British Airways provides direct flights to London from 26 cities in the US and initiated flights to Austin on March 3, 2014. Austin is served by the airline’s newest and most sustainable aircraft type, the Airbus A350, equipped with the Club Suite business class cabin.
The A350, one of the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, accommodates 331 seats, including 56 Club Suites (business) and 56 Premium Economy seats.
Executive Remarks
Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, expressed gratitude for the enduring support from the community, stating, “Celebrating a decade of flights between Austin and London is evidence of the strong relationship we’ve forged with this incredible city and its residents. Collaborating with the local community and institutions, along with our joint business partnership with American Airlines (AA), has enabled us to increase our market capacity by 50% since our inaugural year, utilizing one of our largest aircraft, the A350.
“We take pride in contributing to the connection of friends, families, and businesses. As we continue implementing the most substantial investment program in our 104-year history, we eagerly anticipate serving Austin for the next decade and beyond.”
First Officer Austin, whose name aligns with the vibrant Texan city of his anniversary flight, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Being part of this special milestone, connecting two incredible cities, is an honor. Touching down in Austin on our anniversary is a moment I’ll always remember.”
Ghizlane Badawi, Interim AUS Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the enduring commitment during the decade of partnership with British Airways, stating, “As we celebrate a decade of partnership with British Airways, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is honored to acknowledge the enduring commitment that characterizes our journey together. Ten years ago, this first transatlantic flight helped put the Live Music Capital of the World exactly where we belong—on the world’s stage.”
“My team and I value the long-term investment British Airways has made to strengthen our global connectivity, boost our economy, increase tourism, and provide a vital link for businesses. We look forward to many more decades of continued success in connecting Austinites and Central Texans to London and beyond.”
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