British Airways marks 10 years of Austin-London flights with unique barbecue celebration

May 20 2024 Travel trends

Transatlantic connections

As the calendar flips to March 3, 2024, British Airways is set to celebrate an impressive milestone: ten years of uninterrupted service between the bustling cities of London and Austin, Texas. This landmark anniversary not only highlights the enduring connection between the UK and the southern United States but also underscores the airline's commitment to the vibrant city of Austin, the southernmost state capital in the contiguous United States.

Culinary tribute - The BA-B-Q sauce

In a nod to Austin's iconic barbecue culture, British Airways has embarked on a unique collaboration with one of Austin's most beloved Texan barbecue restaurants. Together, they've crafted a limited-edition barbecue sauce, affectionately dubbed the ‘BA-B-Q Sauce.’ This special condiment will grace the palates of Club World passengers flying between Austin and London throughout March 2024, adding an authentic Texan flavor to their journey.

This collaboration draws inspiration from the renowned flavors served at Frankies Barbecue, a cornerstone of downtown Austin's culinary scene. The BA-B-Q Sauce will complement a new, Texan-inspired barbecue menu aboard flights from Austin, treating passengers to a taste of the city's rich barbecue tradition high above the clouds.

From Texas to the skies - Culinary journey

British Airways' commitment to delivering an extraordinary dining experience doesn’t stop with the sauce. Throughout March, passengers in both Club World and World Traveller Plus can savor a delectable beef brisket dish, embodying the essence of Texan barbecue with its lightly smoked flavor and accompanied by an array of sides designed to transport taste buds straight to the heart of Texas.

Further enhancing the culinary experience, World Traveller passengers aren't left out; they can enjoy a smoky chicken barbecue dish, complete with the comforting flavors of rice and beans. These offerings aim to capture and celebrate Austin's barbecue culture, bringing a piece of the city's vibrant culinary scene to passengers as they journey across the Atlantic.

Decade of dedication and innovation

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, shares the excitement surrounding this milestone, emphasizing the airline's dedication to offering unique and memorable experiences for its customers. The introduction of the BA-B-Q Sauce and the special menu is a testament to British Airways’ ongoing effort to innovate and thank its passengers for ten years of support.

The creation of the Lone Star State menu was spearheaded by British Airways’ Executive Chef, Mark Brega, who found inspiration during a visit to Austin. His encounter with Aaron Franklin, the mastermind behind Frankie's Barbecue, provided invaluable insights into the art of barbecue, allowing the airline to authentically recreate these flavors for its passengers.

Celebrating a mutual passion for excellence

The collaboration between British Airways and Austin's barbecue scene goes beyond the creation of a unique menu; it represents a mutual appreciation for excellence and a shared desire to celebrate the cultural and culinary bonds that link these two distant cities. Aaron Franklin, reflecting on the partnership, expressed his honor in helping to represent Austin's culinary heritage on such a significant occasion.

Journey of comfort and style

The Austin-London route, inaugurated on March 3, 2014, has become a staple for British Airways, now served daily by the airline's state-of-the-art A350 aircraft. With a three-class configuration that includes the all-new Club Suite in business class, passengers can expect a journey that combines comfort with the refined elegance British Airways is known for.

As British Airways commemorates a decade of service between Austin and London, the celebration is more than just about marking time; it's about honoring the connections, experiences, and shared stories that have been woven between these two cities. With the introduction of the BA-B-Q Sauce and a menu that pays homage to Austin's barbecue culture, British Airways invites its passengers to join in this celebration of culinary artistry and transatlantic friendship, setting the stage for many more years of memorable journeys.