KENT WINE TAKES OFF WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS A380
A Kent sparkling wine is taking off with the inaugural British Airways A380 flight on September 24. As the world’s largest airliner departs Heathrow for Los Angeles, passengers in First Class will be enjoying Balfour Brut Rosé – an English sparkling wine produced near Cranbrook.
The sparkling wine, which is produced using the traditional Champagne method at Hush Heath Estate and Winery, is being served on board the A380s following passenger requests. Kent’s iconic ‘pink fizz’ is has been previously served in First Class on other British Airways routes and was the popular customer choice for the A380s.
The wine’s producer Richard Balfour-Lynn said “I’m absolutely thrilled by British Airways decision to stock Balfour Brut Rosé on the A380. It’s particularly exciting this has been brought about by First Class customers’ request.”
The Hush Heath wine will also be stocked on board the A380’s next route- Hong Kong- which launches on October 22. It is a fitting addition to the wine’s patriotic credentials which include being the only English sparkling wine served at the London Olympics in 2012.
The inaugural flight on September 24 follows a summer of Kent connections for the A380. British Airways sent the giant airliners to Manston Airport for a summer of practice flights and crew training. Seventy five senior pilots ran daily short flights between Manston and France throughout July, creating an unmissable sight as the A380’s four Rolls Royce engines roared overhead.
British Airways is the first European airline to buy the A380. It is the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, costing £264million each.
