British Airways releases star-studded 100-year campaign ad

'This is the first time I’ve been on board with so many incredible British people and I got to drink tea all day!'

This year marks 100 years since British Airways started flying.

To celebrate its centenary, the airline has just released its 100th anniversary campaign advert, with best of British talent front and centre.

The advert, called #BA100, is designed to be a “love letter to Britain”.

Famous faces onboard the special #BA100 flight include actors Gary Oldman, Olivia Colman and Riz Ahmed; sporting stars Anthony Joshua, Ellie Simmonds, Nicola Adams, Chris Robshaw, Harriet Millar-Mills and Anthony Watson; musician Paloma Faith and artist Grayson Perry. The first Briton in space, Helen Sharman, is also onboard.

They were brought together as “icons or leaders” in their fields, said the UK’s flag carrier, who play ”an integral role in shaping the modern Britain of both today and the future”.

The stars are joined by BA passengers, cabin crew, pilots and engineers from across the airline.

The advert signs off with “we love you Britain. You make us who we are”, with the tagline ”British Airways. Made by Britain”.

Actor Oldman said he was “honoured” to be part of #BA100.

“I fly with British Airways a lot, but this is the first time I’ve been on board with so many incredible British people and I got to drink tea all day!” added Coleman.

“Celebrating our centenary is a real milestone in aviation and British industrial history,” said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience. “This campaign is about thanking the amazing people who fly with us, work with us and partner with us.

“Our airline has been forged over 100 years. As we are inherently made by Britain it’s fitting that our campaign captures and celebrates everything great about our home nation.”

Meanwhile, members of British Airways’ loyalty scheme, the Executive Club, were emailed with a personalised count of how many miles they’d flown with the airline.

Other birthday celebrations for British Airways include giving one of its 747 fleet a retro paint job.