The British Airways Heritage Collection, located in Harmondsworth, near Heathrow Airport, is a fascinating repository of aviation history that celebrates the legacy of British Airways (BA) and its predecessor airlines. This unique collection offers a glimpse into the evolution of commercial air travel, showcasing memorabilia, records, and artifacts spanning over a century of aviation.
British Airways Heritage Collection
Waterside
Speedbird Way
Harmondsworth
Middlesex UB7 0GA
+44 (0)20 8562 5777
Please call +44 (0)20 8562 5777 to organise a visit.
Collection
The British Airways Heritage Collection has existed since the formation of British Airways. It was formed to preserve the records and artefacts of British Airways’ predecessor companies BOAC, BEA, BSAA and the pre-war Imperial Airways Limited as well as British Airways Ltd.
Over 400 uniforms from the 1930s to the present day are preserved, as well as a large collection of aircraft models.
A historically important library of thousands of photographs is also available as well as probably the most complete set of aviation posters in the UK.
Key Highlights
- Historical Artifacts:
- Uniforms worn by cabin crew and pilots from different eras, illustrating the changing styles and branding of BA.
- Vintage passenger tickets, luggage tags, and brochures from the early days of commercial aviation.
- Aircraft models, including Concorde memorabilia, celebrating BA’s supersonic legacy.
- Aircraft and Innovation:
- Stories and displays about iconic aircraft like the Concorde, Boeing 747, and VC10.
- Exhibits highlighting BA’s pioneering role in long-haul and luxury air travel, including early in-flight services and entertainment systems.
- Photographic Archives:
- Rare photographs documenting milestones in British Airways’ history, from its origins with Imperial Airways in the 1920s to its modern operations.
- Images of historic routes, aircraft, and notable passengers.
- Film and Media:
- Vintage advertising campaigns and promotional materials showcasing the evolution of BA’s branding.
- Videos documenting key events in the airline’s history, including its role in major global milestones.
- Special Focus:
- The merger history of BA, including the integration of BOAC and BEA in the 1970s.
- Displays commemorating BA’s role in global aviation events, such as its involvement in the Berlin Airlift and the launch of Concorde.
Photo British Airways Heritage Collection