British Airways kicks off centenary with special video and celebrations

To mark the centenary of British Airways’ first flight between London and Delhi, 100 India-based British Airways colleagues came together to create a heartwarming video celebrating the airline’s rich legacy. With over 800 years of combined service, these colleagues formed a giant ‘100’ formation, highlighting the strong sense of community and the family-like spirit that has defined the airline for a century.

The uplifting short film shows colleagues joyfully walking onto a lawn in perfect order to form the number 100. As they come together, they complete the formation and wave to the camera above in a jubilant celebration. The video beautifully showcases the dedication and teamwork that has made British Airways a cherished brand, not only in India but around the world.

British Airways employs more than 2,500 colleagues in India, making it the airline's largest colleague base outside of the UK. This includes cabin crew, airport staff, engineers, and customer care professionals. Among those featured in the video are Renu Arya, a cabin crew member with over 35 years of service, and Aparna Malhotra, who has worked for British Airways for over 30 years and currently manages operations in the airline's five Indian cities.

Lisa Tremble, British Airways' Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, commented: “This video perfectly captures what it means to be a British Airways colleague – it’s about celebrating each and every individual’s originality and coming together to create something truly special. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are so proud to have more than 2,500 colleagues based in India, making it our largest colleague base outside of the UK.”

Reflecting on the significance of the centenary, Nilufer Charna, Global Cabin Crew Manager, who also participated in the formation, shared: “I’ve had the privilege of working for British Airways since 1994, and over these 30 years, I’ve come to view British Airways as more than just a workplace - it’s a family, a place where you feel valued, supported, and truly at home. The bonds we share as part of the British Airways family are something we all cherish.”

In addition to the video, British Airways has been celebrating its 100 years of flying to India with several special initiatives. On November 10, the airline made history by operating a flight between Delhi and London with a cabin crew entirely composed of Indian-origin colleagues. Indian colleagues are also lending their voices to announcements at airports in India and at London Heathrow.

Travellers this month can indulge in specially curated centenary menus, including a ‘Masala Chai’ option, as well as over 100 new Indian inflight entertainment options. The airline has also unveiled a new TV advert and brand campaign specifically for the Indian market. Titled ‘Family in the Skies,’ the campaign showcases over 100 India-based colleagues as the stars of the ad, reinforcing the close ties British Airways shares with its Indian colleagues and customers.