Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and British Airways recently celebrated a decade of partnership, marking a milestone in connecting Austin and London. Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, expressed gratitude for the community's support, 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."
Ghizlane Badawi, Interim AUS Chief Executive Officer, also highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "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."
To commemorate the occasion, a celebration event was held at AUS, featuring live music, giveaways, and remarks from various officials and representatives. British Airways First Officer, Austin, who piloted the anniversary flight, expressed, "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."
In honor of 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.
Customers flying from Austin during the anniversary month will also enjoy a Texas-inspired barbecue menu on board, 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.
British Airways first launched flights to Austin on March 3, 2014, and has since flown over 1.25 million customers between Austin and the United Kingdom. Looking ahead, the airline aims to continue serving Austin for the next decade and beyond, as part of its investment program.
The partnership between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and British Airways has not only strengthened global connectivity but has also contributed to the local economy, increased tourism, and provided a vital link for businesses. The celebration of ten years of collaboration signifies a successful relationship that has benefited both Austinites and Central Texans in connecting with London and beyond.
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