In a mouth-watering revelation, British Airways has announced a savory partnership with Austin's famed Franklin Barbecue, providing passengers flying from the Texas capital to London with a unique in-flight dining experience. Celebrating a solid decade of transatlantic connectivity, the airline will be dishing out this special barbecue menu to passengers on flights from Austin to London during March, as per a report by mysanantonio.com.
The collaboration, which marks 10 years of the direct route between Austin and London's Heathrow Airport, sees British Airways bringing the regional flavors of Texas up into the skies. Travelers in the Club World business class can look forward to a limited-edition takeaway bottle of Franklin's Original Sauce, aptly rebranded as "BA-B-Q sauce" in honor of the collaboration. "We're excited to celebrate a decade of connecting Austin and London," Calum Laming, British Airways' Chief Customer Officer, said in the release obtained by mySanAntonio.
Passengers will get a taste of what pitmaster Aaron Franklin has been smoking up back on solid ground. Executive Chef Mark Brega of British Airways has apparently met with Franklin himself, learning the ropes of Texas barbecue to aid in crafting an authentic experience high above the Atlantic. CultureMap Austin notes Brega's journey to Austin's barbecue citadel and his menu development sessions with Franklin Barbecue’s back-of-house.
According to CultureMap Austin, the in-flight menu isn't pulling any punches when it comes to authenticity. "Brega toured the back-of-house at Franklin Barbecue and discussed his plans for "a nice little slaw...a couple of nice slices of short rib, corn pudding, beans, and a couple little sides." the release noted.
While this high-flying barbecue fest is certainly making waves across the barbecue and airline communities, it's a limited-time nod to the fans of flame and flavor. Franklin shared his enthusiasm in a release by saying, "It's an honor to help represent Austin as we celebrate ten years of a straight-shot between these two great cities, and all kinds of fun to share this special sauce with British Airways travelers!" So, for those with their heads in the clouds but their stomachs in Texas, British Airways is bringing the best of both worlds to a cabin near you.
