AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and British Airways have proudly marked a decade of partnership with non-stop flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Since its inaugural service on March 3, 2014, British Airways has flown more than 1.25 million customers to and from Austin and the United Kingdom.
To commemorate this milestone, a celebration event was held at AUS ahead of the Sunday departure flight to London Heathrow on March 3, 2024. Passengers were treated to live music, giveaways, and remarks from City and airport officials, airport partners as well as representatives from British Airways.
Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the community, stating, “Celebrating ten years of flying between Austin and London is a testament to the strong relationship we’ve built with this incredible city and its people. We’re proud to have played a role in connecting friends, families, and businesses, and as we continue rolling out the biggest investment program in our 104-year history, we look forward to serving Austin over the next decade and beyond.”
“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,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Interim AUS Chief Executive Officer. “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.”
British Airways First Officer, Austin, who piloted the anniversary flight said “It’s an honor to be part of this special milestone, connecting two incredible cities. Touching down in Austin on our anniversary is a moment I’ll always remember.”
Austin is renowned for celebrating local brands and culture. To mark the anniversary, British Airways partnered with Austin’s renowned barbecue joint, Franklin Barbecue, to produce limited edition bottles of Franklin Barbecue’s Original BBQ sauce, aptly labelled BA-B-Q sauce to gift premium customers flying from Austin to London throughout March.
British Airways flies direct to London from 26 cities in the United States and first launched flights to Austin on March 3, 2014. Customers flying from Austin during the anniversary month will also enjoy a Texas-inspired barbecue menu on board. The menu will showcase the rich and savory taste of Austin’s barbecue tradition, featuring options such as a lightly smoked beef brisket in Club World (business), and BBQ chicken in World Traveler (economy) – dishes that pay homage to the city’s renowned barbecue culture.
Austin is served by the airline’s newest and most sustainable aircraft type, the Airbus A350, complete with the Club Suite business class cabin.
