To mark its centennial year, British Airways has published a curated collection of rare photographs and videos spanning the airline’s 100-year history. The Centenary Archive Collection, hosted on a dedicated centenary site, features an interactive timeline and highlights landmark moments such as Concorde services and royal flights.
British Airways’ origins trace back to August 1919, when the company operated its first international flight carrying one journalist, Devonshire cream and two grouse. Over the past century the airline has grown substantially and now carries more than 45 million passengers annually to over 200 destinations.
“Air travel has always been about connecting people around the world, and this website will share the stories, achievements and memories of 100 years of British Airways history,” said Alex Cruz, chairman and CEO of British Airways. “Since 1919, British Airways and its forerunners pioneered commercial air travel, and our Centenary Archive Collection will continue to evolve as we look forward to the next 100 years of aviation.”
The archive will expand in the months ahead. Beyond photographs and videos, the airline plans to publish written recollections from current and former staff and colleagues, preserving first-hand memories alongside historical media.
Looking forward, British Airways has committed significant investment to improve the customer experience, allocating £6.5 billion to upgrades. Planned enhancements include WiFi at every seat, refreshed interiors for long-haul aircraft, the introduction of 72 new aircraft into the fleet and redesigned business-class seats.
The Centenary Archive Collection offers both a visual history and a living record of the airline’s evolution, celebrating past achievements while showcasing plans that shape its future service and passenger experience.