Airbus A380 here are four decades of British Airways in pictures

From cabin crew uniform, to gourmet meal, to the in-flight entertainment, the airlines premium offerings have changed significantly.

While in 1974, two queues were formed for guests to check in at the airport, they were handed cardboard boarding pass and had to wait endlessly to pass through the security. Now the guests can check in online, print their own boarding pass or even save it onto their smartphone. Premium passengers also have access to fast-track security.
In-flight entertainment nowadays is free. Thank God for that! But it hasn’t always been like that. In 1974, films were watched on a pull-down screen with stethoscope like headphones available for rent at £2. Air travel via British Airways is also more affordable than it was forty years ago. For the cheapest round trip between Heathrow and New York you now pay £430 as compared to £1,800 in 1974.
Interestingly, way back then British Airways offered its guests a complementary Benson & Hedges cigarette after take-off while now it is forbidden and punishable. Through the iconic photographs, Luxurylaunches looks back at British Airways remarkable four decades when they began their journey with Boeing 747 to the present day world’s biggest aircraft, the A380. British Airways today has around 280 jets flying to almost 180 destinations.
1960 – 1969
In a first of its kind, British Airways launched its sovereign first-class service on board Trident aircraft with air-conditioning system.

A gourmet meal is served onboard Boeing 707 First Class in the late 1960’s

The First Class service on a VC-10 in the 1960’s

BOAC Japanese stewardess in kimono

Guests offered meal in the Economy Class of VC-10

BEA stewardess 1960 -1967 (Designer: John Cavanagh)

1970-79
The inaugural commercial Concorde sets new standards in luxury as it travels from London to Bahrain. The first and business class passengers were treated to popular dishes dating back to 400 years inspired by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Passengers were offered dishes like real ale and Posset (an Elizabethan drink made from hot milk, spice and liqueur).

British Airways female cabin crew uniform 1977-1985 (Designer: Baccarat Wetherall)

BEA female uniforms, 1972-1974 (Designer: Hardie Amies)

1980-89
This period witnessed an overhaul of the first-class product with touch-button controls integrated into seats. First-class was rebranded as ‘Crown First Class’. Passengers could enjoy fully reclining sleeperseats. In-flight entertainment was made audible via Sony electro-magnetic headsets with padded earpieces that fit comfortably.

1990-Present
The year 1995 witnessed full-length 6ft 6 inches beds and larger video screens introduced to the first-class service. In 2010, First class cabins were installed. The £100 million new layout provided passengers with personal wardrobes, shoe compartments, writing desks with leather trim as well as the toiletries. In 2013, British Airways commenced with A380 services and first-class menus are co-developed with Langham Hotel, London.