On Sunday March 3, 2024, British Airways proudly celebrated a decade of direct flights between Austin and London.
A British Airways First Officer named Austin operated the anniversary BA191, sharing his name with the vibrant Texan city.
A Decade in Texas
British Airways proudly commemorated a decade of serving the Texan capital city of Austin with non-stop flights to London Heathrow Airport.
Since its inaugural service in 2014, the airline has flown over 1.25 million customers between Austin and the United Kingdom.
To mark this milestone, British Airways held celebrations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport before the departure of flight BA190 to London Heathrow.
Customers enjoyed live music, giveaways, and speeches from key figures.
Strong Partnership and Growth
Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
He emphasized the strong relationship built with Austin and highlighted a 50% capacity increase since the first year. This was achieved through collaboration with the local community and institutions, and their joint business partnership with American Airlines.
This growth is attributed to the deployment of the A350, one of British Airways largest aircraft.
Chernoff emphasized their commitment, stating, “We’re proud to connect friends, families, and businesses. As we invest significantly in our future, we look forward to serving Austin for years to come.”
First Officer Austin, aptly named for the city he flew into on the anniversary flight, expressed his enthusiasm. He described connecting these two incredible cities as an honor and a memory he’ll cherish.
Ghizlane Badawi, Interim AUS Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the enduring partnership. She highlighted how the first transatlantic flight ten years ago placed Austin on the global stage.
She further expressed appreciation for British Airways’ long-term investment in strengthening Austin’s global connectivity, boosting the economy, and fostering tourism.
Celebrating Local Flavor
To celebrate the anniversary, British Airways gifted limited edition bottles of “BA-B-Q” sauce to premium passengers flying from Austin to London throughout March.
Additionally, they offered a special Texas-inspired barbecue menu on these flights, featuring smoked brisket in Club World and BBQ chicken in World Traveller.
Austin, Texas, is the capital of the state and a vibrant city known for its live music scene, outdoor activities, and quirky charm.
Austin is nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World” for its abundance of live music venues and its annual SXSW music festival.
It’s also a major center for technology and business, attracting young professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Connecting the U.S. to the World
British Airways currently offers direct flights to London from 26 U.S. cities, with Austin joining the network in 2014.
They serve Austin Texas with their newest and most sustainable aircraft, the Airbus A350, featuring the luxurious Club Suite business class cabin.
This aircraft is one of their largest, accommodating 331 passengers, including 56 Club Suites and 56 Premium Economy seats.
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