Barbados and British Airways are celebrating 70 years of flights to the island with rum on board from Mount Gay the world’s oldest-running rum distillery.
For the first time ever, British Airways’ customers flying between the UK and Barbados throughout April are being treated to the rich flavours of Mount Gay, XO in first and business class and Mount Gay, Eclipse in premium economy and economy.
Mount Gay Rum is the oldest, most storied rum in the world, and has been produced in Barbados since 1703, thus earning it the title “the rum that invented rum”.
The rum is expertly crafted from the rich sugar cane and pristine, coral-filtered water native to the island.
In addition to the onboard festivities, Barbados will host a prestigious evening reception at Ilaro Court, the official residence of the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, S.C., M.P. | Prime Minister of Barbados.
This exclusive event will welcome distinguished guests including, Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados and Colm Lacy, Chief Commercial Officer for British Airways.
Also in attendance will be Mike Bannister, a now-retired Concorde captain, who has piloted many flights to the island including the final Concorde flight to Barbados.
With British Airways’ Concorde operating for more than 20 years, Barbados was one of the four countries with a regular Concorde flight, and on its last journey, it was sent to Bridgetown, where it is now grounded as a relic of a bygone age of aviation.
Commenting on the momentous occasion, Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport said:
“We are very pleased to celebrate with British Airways the 70th Anniversary of their first flight to Barbados, for it is truly a momentous occasion.
“This platinum anniversary not only signifies British Airways’ dedication to Barbados but highlights the confidence the airline places on the island.
“British Airways has played a pivotal role in providing air connectivity between Barbados and the UK, thus driving growth and prosperity for the island and helping to build our tourism sector.
“This partnership has helped to solidify Barbados’ status as a premier travel destination.”
Cheryl Carter, Chief Operating Officer, BTMI said: “We are truly proud of our 70-year association with British Airways and the confidence they have demonstrated in the brand.
“We would like to thank Mount Gay for recognising and celebrating this significant milestone. We now look forward to celebrating our centenary with Barbados.”
Other elements of the platinum celebration have included an exclusive Avios-Only flight and Club World promotion in addition to familiarisation trips for media and top-selling UK travel agents.
Earlier this month, the island also welcomed one of the newest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, the 787-10 Dreamliner, which will increase summer capacity by 10-16% to the Caribbean island.
For more information, go to visitbarbados.org.
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*Photo from Visit Barbados.
