A Very British Airline - British Airways Behind the Scenes - Episode 1 BBC

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Published 2014-06-07

British Airways is one of the UK's most visible brands, selling Britishness as a mark of quality. But in the last decade, the business has faced financial crisis and today, more people fly Easyjet than BA. As the airline reaches a turning point, the BBC's cameras have been allowed unique access to its inner world, from top level decisions to the daily challenges of a global operation.

This episode explores how the airline tries to persuade people to spend more to fly, revealing the world found behind the 'millionaire's door' at Heathrow Terminal 5, a lounge, restaurant, spa and champagne bar reserved for those select few who are happy to part with small fortunes to fly in the airline's First Class.

Also this episode, a look at how the airline is playing catch-up with some of its rivals as it brings its first A380, the world's biggest passenger plane, into service. Plus, the programme follows 18 anxious new recruits on their journey to become cabin crew with British Airways. With exacting standards of dress, behaviour and knowledge, not all of them will make it through the 6-week training course, designed to uncover who is - and who is not - BA.

All Comments (21)

@mattwestuk1 9 years ago

As someone who suffered a cardiac event on a BA flight Trans-Atlantic, I can testify that their training definitely pays off. While not a heart attack, it did result in loss of consciousness and the requirement for O2 for 6 hours and they treated me, and my wife an children, with the true compassion. Indeed, one Steward carried my son for hours so my wife could tend to me. For this reason, BA, and its staff, will always have a special place in my heart.
@SandraNelson063 7 years ago

I'll tell you how important the cabin crew training is. Just recently in my city, a man had a heart attack in a fitness gym. The " trained staff" didn't know how to use the provided defibrillator. A customer , an actress who had just come home from the Sundance film festival, grabbed up the defibrillator, used it, and spent 10 minutes doing CPR until the ambulance crew took over. The man was saved, he was operated on for blockages and is home with his family. Where did this actress get her training? She had been an airline stewardess before she was an actress.
@joserodrigo5595 4 years ago

"Patrick was terminated" geez it sounds like they killed him
@scrambledegg81 7 years ago

The real hero here is the kid with the Buzz Lightyear outfit.
@expoboy52 8 years ago

A scratch on the seat trim. Oh the humanity.
@dr662 9 years ago

I love Alice. Don't want to sound cheesy but she's so passionate about the job and she really enjoys it. Good for her.
@aldimealdealhq798 3 years ago

When Patrick got terminated they made out like they were telling a family that their nans died. Saying we’ll give you time 😂😂
@alexc4924 4 years ago

That whole snapshot system sounds unproductive. Also the bit about hiring younger cheaper staff reeks of exploitation...
@vimalalwaysrocks 5 years ago

Its humiliating how some passengers in economy take it for granted with the flight attendants. They are not your servants. They are trained professionals who know how to handle an emergency and help save your lives. Give them some respect please!
@AtulCashSharma 8 years ago

I flew British Airways my entire childhood from the 80's until I was in my early 20's in the late 90's from Washington to London and New Delhi annually because my parents regularly made the bookings. I decided to try out Virgin Atlantic due to more competitive fare prices initially when I started traveling alone, and actually found that their service, plane quality, in flight entertainment, etc. is all much more advanced than BA. I think BA tries to hard to rely on this 'prestige' thing. Virgin's frequent flyer program is also much more generous and advantageous for regular travelers.
@terencehennegan1439 3 years ago

Airline staff deserve a healthy salary that’s for sure, didn’t realise how much work is involved. There under a great deal of pressure.
@MrCars 7 years ago

If you take the time to complain about a centimeter long scratch you've got to rethink your life....
@SuperScottCrawford 4 years ago

The randomness of finding a letter in a bottle on the beach at Ibiza inspiring her to become part of BA was... kinda cool, really.
@Belbivdevoe 4 years ago

The head of training for the attendants definitely has people chained up in his basement
@dionsworld4173 4 years ago

I’ve flown with Alice several times! She’s brill at her job x
@Luke_05 4 years ago

14:52 “Take this off when you go in because you can’t brace with this jacket on” the trainer could’ve told her that before.
@Aviationnation10 9 years ago

How sad is it that a return ticket in first class is what their cabin crew get paid per year.
@Treetopper73 8 years ago

The doctor at 52:19 takes over 300 flights a year: When does he have time to practice his profession??
@maxb4671 4 years ago

"The noise and just the shear size of the plane, i love it." MY STRANGE ADDICTIONS
@johannesr9166 7 years ago

The Gentleman claimed to take 300 flights per year and always fly First Class. If all of his flights are as expensive as Heathrow - Los Angeles, he pays 2,85 million pounds per year?! A private jet would be cheaper...