British Airways Getting Set For London 2012 Olympic

In honour of the Games, British Airways is putting particular emphasis on ingredients from London. This includes locally sourced salmon, and sugar from East London. In keeping with the drinks list from 1948, Gin from London is also available on-board.

Frank van der Post, British Airways managing director of brands and customer experience, said: “We are very proud to be quite literally bringing a taste of the London 2012 Games to our customers! We have a very proud heritage with our in-flight menus, which Simon and Heston have tapped into in a credible and exciting way.”

Michelin-star chef Heston Blumenthal has unveiled the Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired menus created by rising star Simon Hulstone, which cabin crew will serve to three million British Airways customers during the Games.

Simon spent the past year being mentored by Heston Blumenthal as part of the BA Great Britons programme, which supports British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Games.

With a nod to Heston’s creative approach, Simon’s dishes take inspiration from the airline’s menus dating back to 1948 – the last time the Games were held in London. Popular ingredients from the time have been incorporated into his menu, with some dishes reinvented for a modern day audience – rich in umami and using local produce. To complement the menu there is a specially commissioned on-board soundtrack which customers can listen to – featuring uplifting music and commentary from iconic British moments from previous Games.

British Airways mentor Heston Blumenthal, said: “Simon has created an exciting, delicious and well-balanced menu that pays homage to the Games in a clever and subtle way. The dishes celebrate our rich history and British talent at its best. As a mentor, chef and friend I’m very proud of what he has achieved.

Heston spent the past year mentoring the 37-year old from Torquay, as part of the BA Great Britons Programme, which offers a global platform for up and coming British talent in food, art and film in the run up to the Games.

Michelin-star chef Simon Hulstone, said: “It’s an honour to have created a menu that millions of people will experience during the Games – I can’t think of a better platform to showcase British cuisine.”

Simon has created four menus, which will be available on long-haul flights from London Heathrow from July in; First, Club, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller cabins.

To celebrate the launch of the Great Britons projects, the airline is launching an exclusive airline themed pop-up venue – ‘Flight BA2012’, celebrating the best in British talent in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tickets are available from March 20 at www.facebook.com/britishairways