History and heritage
Celebrating 90 years of flying with pride
Welcome to the British Airways Heritage collection.
British Airways is celebrating its 90th anniversary on 25 August 2009. To mark the occasion, the British Airways Heritage website has been launched on ba.com.
Heritage 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 and British Airways Ltd.
The collection comprises an extensive document archive recording the formation, development and operations of the above companies and British Airways as well as memorabilia and artefacts.
Over 130 uniforms from the 1930s to the present day are preserved, as well as a large collection of aircraft models and pictures.
An historically important collection of thousands of photographs is also available as well as probably the most complete set of aviation posters in the UK.
Many of the photographs and posters from the collection are now available to view in our galleries. Copies of these photographs and posters are also available to purchase.
Heritage centre
The British Airways Heritage centre is manned by volunteers whose dedication, together with the generosity from many staff and former colleagues of donations of artefacts, have built the collection to what it is today.
The Heritage centre is open for visitors and we look forward to welcoming you to see our collection. We particularly welcome information, guidance and advice on the collection, particularly from first-hand experiences from those who have played some part in our history.
"Welcome to the British Airways Heritage Collection.
The collection provides an important reflection of a proud heritage established by the pioneering spirit, the endeavour and the sheer commitment of our people over many decades.
British Airways and its predecessor companies have been at the very forefront of air transport development since the dawn of this industry. We will continue to lead in the future."
Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge, Chairman, British Airways, 1993 - 2004