1. British Airways is one the major airlines in Europe, and it operates a fleet of giants
With 272 planes in its fleet and serving about 180 destinations, British Airways is one of Europe’s biggest airlines. Based in Heathrow, the global carrier is known for its impressive fleet.
In addition to its base fleet of Airbus A320 series jets, the company operates many impressive long-range aircraft, such as the gigantic Airbus A380, the legendary Jumbo Jet Boeing 747 and the Boeing 777, which is the world’s longest two-engine passenger jet.
2. The airline is known for its luxurious first-class service
First class on British Airways is an institution. Passengers travel in private, spacious suites and are served, in addition to champagne, traditional scones and Earl Grey tea; on the menu are classic British dishes that emphasise simplicity, freshness and quality of ingredients. First class passengers are also invited to the Concorde Room – a plush lounge, exclusive to London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK Terminal 7.
3. The history of the airline spans almost a century
The modern British Airways was formed in April 1974 following the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation, formed in 1939, and British European Airways, formed in 1946, and their associated companies.
The company, state-owned from its initiation, was privatised in 1987. The history of the company reaches back to the 1910s, when the first of the pioneer airlines that were later merged with the company were formed.
4. British Airways used a supersonic jet
The supersonic passenger jet Concorde flew from 1976 to 2003 in the brand colours of British Airways. The iconic ultrafast plane could carry passengers from New York to London in less than three hours. The Concorde fleet, however, was retired due to the low financial profitability of the aircraft type in the early 2000s. The sonic boom of the plane also caused persistent noise problems over populated areas.
5. Britain’s tallest moving observation tower is sponsored by the company
British Airways i360, opened in August 2016 in Brighton’s West Pier, is a 162-meter high observation tower with an ascending and descending circular viewing platform with capacity for 200 people.
It is Britain's tallest moving observation tower, with a viewing platform at 138 metres, and views along the coast and across the English Channel.
6. British Airways departs daily from Helsinki Airport
From Helsinki you can hop on daily British Airways flights, for instance to London. During the flight you can relax by reading High Life, British Airways’ inflight magazine, with content by award-winning journalists, photographers and illustrators.
Source: British Airways
