British Airways to fly the flag for football fans

British Airways to fly the flag for football fans

UK carrier gives aircraft a nose job

June 4, 2010 12:41 by Rasha Reslan

Dubai, UAE. 03 June 2010: As footie fever kicks off, British Airways is preparing to take nearly 70,000 passengers to South Africa during the period of the forthcoming festival of football.

The airline operates 19 flights a week to Johannesburg and seven to Cape Town, as well as excellent connections to domestic and regional locations provided by its branded franchise carrier, Comair.

As official airline of the England 2018 World Cup Bid, British Airways is helping football fans get into the spirit of the World Cup. During June and July special on-board announcements will be made on South Africa flights to invite customers to back the England 2018 Bid. Dedicated aircraft painted with black and white football nose cones will operate on some of the flights.

Football pundit and former England striker Gary Lineker who helped British Airways launch its support for Backing the Bid said; “To host the World Cup in 2018 would be a privilege and a great boost for English football. We have a 100 per cent record in home World Cups, and it would be wonderful to keep up that performance.”

Ashley Cowen, British Airways’ area regional manager, Asia Pacific and Africa, said: “South Africa is one of our most popular destinations, even more so this summer. We are thrilled to be welcoming so many customers to the Rainbow Nation in the coming weeks.”

British Airways customers flying to Africa during June and July can look forward to locally sourced fresh produce onboard flights. English favourites such as; Chicken tikka masala, cured salmon with Grimsby potted shrimps, medallion of beef, and Eton Mess with strawberry compote will be available on board.

For more information on the airline visit ba.com, to help back the bid please visit england2018bid.com

British Airways will fly a total of 2.5 million customers during June.