Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, British Airways has joined forces with BBC Studios for a unique partnership. The airline celebrated the occasion with a full-scale model of a Dalek, a prominent antagonist in the Doctor Who series, prominently displayed at its Terminal 5 home in London Heathrow Airport. The Dalek made appearances at various locations within the terminal, including the First-Class check-in area and the arrivals hall, adding a touch of sci-fi excitement for travellers and fans alike. This creative celebration showcases the intersection of popular culture and the travel experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.
British Airways has also curated a dedicated inflight entertainment (IFE) channel to commemorate Doctor Who’s milestone. This special channel, available on the airline’s long-haul flights, features 13 episodes spanning seasons one to 13 of the long-running series. Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the commitment to providing passengers with top-notch entertainment. The IFE offering includes over 80 box sets, 15 classic movie franchises, and 700 audio pieces, reflecting British Airways’ dedication to enhancing the onboard experience.
The celebration aligns with British Airways’ broader efforts to expand its inflight entertainment options, with a doubling of content in the past year. The airline aims to offer a diverse and extensive selection of entertainment, ensuring a delightful travel experience for its customers. Ncuti Gatwa, the upcoming Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who, has a unique connection to British Airways, having appeared in the airline’s latest safety video. The Scottish-Rwandan actor, known for his role in the Netflix series Sex Education, adds a personal touch to the collaboration between the iconic series and the renowned airline.
