British Airways celebrates its London-Austin route…. in a rather different way

British Airways is about to celebrate ten years of flying between London Heathrow and Austin, Texas. But how do you celebrate a landmark like this?

With a sauce.

British Airways has partnered with Austin’s renowned barbecue joint, Franklin Barbecue, to produce limited edition bottles of their Original BBQ sauce, aptly labelled BA-B-Q sauce (where’s that eye-roll emote?), to gift Club World customers flying from Austin to London throughout March.

BA-B-Q sauce – Image, British Airways.a

Passengers flying from Austin during the anniversary month will also enjoy a Texas-inspired barbecue menu on board. The menu will showcase the rich and savoury taste of Austin’s barbecue tradition, offering customers a culinary treat that pays homage to the city’s renowned barbecue culture and brings the essence of this vibrant city to the skies.

The menu has been curated by British Airways’ Executive Chef Mark Brega, who drew inspiration from a visit to Austin and pitmaster Aaron Franklin’s culinary mastery.

British Airways’ Executive Chef Mark Brega and pitmaster Aaron Franklin – Image, British Airways

Throughout March, Club World and World Traveller Plus customers flying from Austin to London will have the option to enjoy a lightly smoked and succulent beef brisket dish, served with sweet corn pudding, lightly spiced bean stew, pickled cucumber, red onion and vegetable slaw, capturing the heart of Texas barbecue culture. Those in World Traveller will be able to enjoy the option of a smoky chicken barbecue dish, served with tasty rice and beans.

In Quotes

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer said;

“We’re excited to celebrate a decade of connecting Austin and London,”

“At British Airways we’re committed to providing an exceptional and original experience for our customers and we’re always looking for new ways to do that. Bringing the flavours of Austin to the skies with this special menu is one way of us celebrating this remarkable city and expressing gratitude for the support we’ve received over the past 10 years. And we can’t wait for customers to enjoy our limited edition bottles of Franklin Barbecue’s Original BBQ sauce.”

Mark Brega, British Airways’ Executive Chef added

“Franklin Barbecue is a legendary establishment in Austin,”

“Known for its long lines and mouthwatering brisket, it has earned a reputation as one of the best barbecue joints in the world. We are always looking for culinary inspiration in the cities we fly, so it was a delight to meet Aaron Franklin and learn from his passion and expertise and share Franklin Barbecue’s Original BBQ sauce with our customers.”

Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue said:

“We had such a good time hosting Mark and the team from British Airways,”

“It’s an honor to help represent Austin as we celebrate ten years of a straight-shot between these two great cities, and all kinds of fun to share this special sauce with British Airways travelers!”

Current Operations

British Airways launched the Heathrow-Austin route on the 3rd March 2014. Since then, it’s been a fixture of the timetable.

Currently, Austin is served daily, with the airline utilising an Airbus A350-1000 on the route, offering 56 Club Suite business class seats, 56 World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) seats and 219 World Traveller (Economy Class seats).

Feeling saucy?

British Airways will be offering this themed menu as part of its dining options between Austin and London from 1st to 31st March 2024. The limited edition 5oz (147ml) bottles of Franklin Barbecue’s Original BBQ sauce will be gifted to customers flying from Austin to London Heathrow in Club World throughout March (subject to availability).

Just remember, if you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, you might have issues getting that bottle of sauce through security…