We've reached the end of 2019, and what a year it has been for British Airways. During the course of the year, British Airways has started operating its brand new Airbus A350s, introduced its new Club Suite, and celebrated its 100th birthday. Unfortunately, it also included a 48-hour strike by pilots, the reason for which has since been resolved. Let's take a closer look at some of these achievements.

British Airways, Pilot Strike, Cancelled Flights
British Airways has had an interesting 2019! Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Brand new Club Suite

Arguably the biggest news to originate from British Airways this year was the launch of its hugely successful Club Suite. This marked a huge upgrade to British Airways' ageing 2-4-2 business product.

The product sees every business class passenger gaining a private suite, complete with a fully closing door. The suite initially debuted on the Airbus A350, and has since been retrofitted onto Boeing 777 aircraft. The new Boeing 787-10 is set to be delivered with the new suite early next year.

British Airways, Boeing 787-10, Delay
The 787-10 will be the first Dreamliner equipped with British Airways' new Club Suite. Photo: British Airways

Airbus A350 deliveries

2019 has also seen the British flag carrier take delivery of its first Airbus A350 aircraft, of which it now has four in its fleet. British Airways debuted the Airbus A350 to Madrid in August. Simple Flying was lucky enough to tag along for the inaugural flight, which you can read more about here.

As previously mentioned, the Airbus A350 was the launch aircraft for the new Club Suite business class cabin. Although that is now being rolled out elsewhere in the fleet. During 2020, further Airbus A350 aircraft are due to enter service, which will be accompanied by new routes. In fact, four A350 routes to the US are planned next year.

British Airways, Airbus A350, Centenary
British Airways received four A350s in 2019. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

100 years of British Airways

Another huge milestone this year saw British Airways celebrate its 100th birthday. British Airways didn't spare any expense in celebrating the event throughout the year. For starters, we were spoiled with four aircraft being repainted in retro liveries from British Airways' history.

The airline also created over 100 moments of magic for customers throughout the year. These ranged from arranging free flights and upgrades to giving Barack Obama's service dog the VIP treatment.

British Airways, The Queen, 2019
The airline also hosted a visit from the queen. Photo: British Airways

However, arguably the most magical moment of the year was when the Queen visited the airline's waterside headquarters. Here she unveiled a plaque commemorating 100 years of the airline after a speech by Alex Cruz, British Airways CEO. Mr Cruz remarked,

“This is the absolute highlight of our centenary year celebrations and something we will all remember for many years to come”.

Into the future

Of course, the airline still has plenty to look forward to for its next 100 years. Earlier it held an exhibition in London to consider what the future of aviation might look like. As soon as next month, the airline will begin to take delivery of the Boeing 787-10. And looking further into the future, it is also expecting the Boeing 777X.

What is your favourite moment of British Airways from 2019? Let us know in the comments!