British Airways, the UK's national airline, recently celebrated 100 years of connecting the UK with India alongside its customers, colleagues, and partners. On October 17, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Sean Doyle co-hosted a centenary event with the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, where customers, colleagues and partners gathered to celebrate. The event showcased the airline’s rich history with India as well as a glimpse into the future as it continues its recently-announced GBP 7 billion transformation programme. Guests were taken on a journey of the last century with vintage posters, photographs, memorabilia and uniforms, in addition to hearing from the airline’s leaders on how its investing in all areas of the business, from sustainability to the customer experience.
“We are so proud of our history with India, and this centenary is such a big milestone for us that deserves special recognition,“ said Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways. “The Indian market continues to be one of the most important for us; we are firmly committed to it and capacity has already returned to pre-pandemic levels which is testament to how popular the route is with our customers. I’d like to thank the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron for her hospitality and the opportunity to mark this occasion.”
British Airways is also celebrating with its customers on board by offering them a glimpse into Indian culture through curated menus featuring traditional dishes, a special spiced chai from Twinings, and a single malt from Rajasthan in business class. The inflight entertainment includes a large collection of Indian films. This celebration aims to blend British service with Indian tastes and heritage, enhancing the customer experience across all cabins.
"The UK and India trade and investment relationship is worth over GBP 39 billion and supports more than 7,00,000 jobs across both economies. That is made possible through the long-term commitment of companies like British Airways, which form an integral part of our unique living bridge,” said Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India. "I congratulate British Airways on its brilliant achievement and am looking forward to celebrating the centenary on my next flight from New Delhi to London.”
British Airways employs more than 2,500 across India, including at its recently opened second call centre in Noida, Delhi. As British Airways commemorates this significant milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds between the UK and India, supporting vital trade and business routes, and contributing to the prosperity of both nations.
British Airways announced its GBP 7 billion investment plan to transform its business in March 2024. This is a two-year programme and includes initiatives focused on improving customer experience, operational excellence, IT modernisation, colleague experience, and sustainability.
The airline's history dates back to its predecessor, Imperial Airlines, which flew customers from London to New Delhi in 1924. At that time, the journey took 14 days. Today, the flight lasted less than nine hours. British Airways has expanded its operations to five Indian cities and employs over 2,500 staff members. British Airways operates more than 50 weekly flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad—more than any other European airline. Additionally, the airline has established five local crew bases in each of these cities.