In case anyone hadn’t noticed yet, British Airways is celebrating what it considers to be its 100th anniversary this year. The carrier traces its history back to August 1919, when Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited launched the world’s first daily international scheduled air service, between London and Paris.
So far initiatives have included aircraft sporting retro liveries, the Speedbird 100 ale in partnership with Brewdog, a reimagined Flower Duet theme, limited edition Marmite jars, a centenary afternoon tea service, and a limited edition whisky poured at the Inchdairnie distillery in Fife, Scotland.
And now the airline has launched an online Centenary Archive Collection, featuring “never-before-seen” photographs and videos, spanning its 100-year history, as well as an interactive timeline.
Visitors to ba.com/100/centenary-collection can browse images from Concorde, Royal flights and vintage airline posters, as well as close-up photographs of cabin crew uniforms throughout the generations.
BA says it will continue to develop and add to the site throughout the year, adding recollections written by current and retired colleagues among other records and documents.
Commenting on the news Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:
“Air travel has always been about connecting people around the world, and this website will share the stories, achievements and memories of 100 years of British Airways history.
“Since 1919, British Airways and its forerunners pioneered commercial air travel, and our Centenary Archive Collection will continue to evolve as we look forward to the next 100 years of aviation.”
British Airways is also set to launch new uniforms later this year, designed by Ozwald Boatend OBE, and in March the carrier unveiled its new Club Suite business class product.
