#1 – THE MAGNA CARTA
At 800 years old, the Magna Carta, Britain’s most celebrated charter, may well be the oldest passenger British Airways has ever carried. Travelling in luxury in the airline’s First cabin with a dedicated security guard, the esteemed historical document is part-way through its anniversary world tour. On loan from Hereford Cathedral, British Airways is partnering with GREAT Britain to transport the document over 65,000 miles through 25 time zones to showcase it to members of the public around the globe, for the Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary world tour.
#2 – SIX TONNES OF RHINOS
On October 25 this year, the inaugural A380 flight from London to Miami had six white rhinos in the cargo hold, who had travelled all the way from Johannesburg via London to Miami as part of a global conservation project. International zoo breeding programmes such as this help to ensure the long-term success of the species well away from the threat of poachers. The rhinos weighed one metric tonne each and specialists from IAG Cargo as well as veterinary teams will be available every step of the way to ensure a comfortable and relaxed journey on the British Airways’ A380.
#3 – THE OLYMPIC FLAME
As official sponsor of the 2012 London Olympic Games, British Airways flew the Olympic Flame from Athensto London on board flight ‘BA2012’ a specially chartered, gold-liveried aircraft. The Flame travelled in a ceremonial lantern secured in a specially designed cradle firmly fixed to its seat on the plane.
#4 – 12 ENDANGERED SAN SALDVADOR IGUANAS
In February 2014, British Airways flew 12 endangered San Salvador Rock iguanas that were illegally brought into the UK, back to their home in the Bahamas. The iguanas play a critical role in the Bahamas ecosystem and are vital to maintaining biological diversity in the rural communities they inhabit. The delicate cargo had special dispensation to fly in the cabin for the flight and were carefully looked after by British Airways pilots and crew.
#5 – THE RUGBY WORLD CUP TROPHY
Hosts England unfortunately had an early exit at this years’ Rugby World Cup, but back in 2003 the England Rugby team returned victorious from Australia. As champions they travelled back home on a British Airways flight from Sydney to London, with the Webb Ellis Trophy in a seat of its very own.
#6 – A LOST CUCKOO
Back in 2012 an endangered cuckoo who missed her summer migration due to injury was given a helping hand on her journey by British Airways. The injured cuckoo was found dying in a garden in Surrey and was unable to fly after being attacked by other birds. After a period of recovery at the Wildlife Aid Foundation’s (WAF) veterinary hospital in Leatherhead, British Airways flew her to Italy so she could catch up with the rest of the cuckoos on their summer migration down to South Africa.
#7 – NOT-SO-SLOW LORIS
In 2014 British Airways flew a rare Bengal Slow Loris from the Maldives where it was confiscated during a drugs raid by local police, to the UK to start a new life in a rescue centre dedicated to conserving endangered animals. The VIP (very important primate) flew at speeds of over 500 mph on his way from theMaldives to London, for once not such a Slow Loris.