BA's Silent Picturehouse

British Airways concocted a unique event this week as they combined travel with films and in-flight entertainment; and it brought the stars out in their dozens. Inclusive of delish treats and comfy seats the week-long event is showing films that bring to life the in-flight experience while screening films that connote travel and flying.

“British Airways Silent Picturehouse, a pop-up film event in London, opened its doors this evening (Monday 22 July), with the red carpet attended by a roll call of stars from the big and small screen, including; James Corden, Louis Smith, Laura Whitmore, Craig Roberts, Greg James, Kara Tointon, Alex Zane, Richard Bacon, Emma Willis and host Edith Bowman.

Taking place all week (22-26 July), Silent Picturehouse shows films that inspire travel, with a unique twist – viewers tune in to the big screens using Sennheiser headsets, to bring the in-flight experience to life. The venue is designed to give the impression of stepping inside a movie set, complete with film and travel artefacts.

The movies selected all have different themes relating to flying and travel, including; ‘Skyfall’, ‘The Beach’, ‘Top Gun’, ‘Jaws’ and the fans’ choice – ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

Speaking about the film that inspired him to travel, Actor and Presenter James Corden, said: “It would be ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’. It’s maybe the funniest film ever, but it reminds you that the journey is just as important as the destination.”

Other films that inspired guests include; ‘Y Tu Mama Tambien’ chosen by actor Craig Roberts, ‘The Hobbit’ selected by Olympic medallist Louis Smith, animation ‘Up’ favourited by Presenter Laura Whitmore, ‘The Sound of Music’ voted by actress Kara Tointon, ‘Thelma and Louise’ chosen by actor Douglas Booth, ‘Into the Wild’ picked by presenter Edith Bowman, and ‘Jaws’ selected by film aficionado Alex Zane. Presenter Emma Willis was one of several to nominate ‘The Beach’, which was recently voted the most inspiring travel film in a poll of 2,000 people.

Abigail Comber, British Airways head of marketing, said: “Silent Picturehouse pays tribute to some of the movies that inspire a wanderlust. From classic summer blockbuster hits such as ‘Jaws’, to ‘The Beach’, which made Koh Phi Phi Island famous, as well as everyone’s favourite flying film ‘Top Gun’. We know that film is something our customers are passionate about, as they watch more than 30 million movies on flights every year.”

Exclusively for the event, Michelin Star chef Simon Hulstone and his experimental team have created unique ‘film flavoured’ popcorn, based on the movies being shown, these include; Shark Bite popcorn, Take My Breath Away popcorn, Shaken not Stirred Martini popcorn, Suncream popcorn and Millionaire’s Curry Caramel popcorn.

Guests are also treated to lip-licking hotdogs, retro pick n mix, Taittinger champagne, Union ice-cream, Hotel Chocolat treats and cocktails from the movies.

To celebrate the upcoming release of Disney’s Planes the venue transforms into Silent Picturehouse Kids during the day, showing, Disney films including; Up, Cars 2, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Oz the Great and Powerful, The Muppets and a sneak peak of Planes.”

For more information on the products and services offered by British Airways, contact their customer services department and speak with a member of their team. They populate their phones with friendly and helpful employees with all the information you might need at their fingertips. Use the British Airways phone number to contact them. You can also find out all the latest news stories about British Airways if you click here.

This article was originally sourced from ba.com.

Stansted Airport Expansion Plans

Plans for the expansion of one of London’s busiest airports have been released suggesting the capacity of the airport could be increased from 17.5 million to an astonishing 160 million.

“The Manchester Airports Group (MAG) submitted potential options to the Airports Commission that include a £10bn "hub" with four runways.

Campaigners against expansion called them irresponsible and opportunistic.

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of MAG, said developing Stansted would be a ‘pragmatic approach’.

The expansion plan has been submitted to the government-appointed Airports Commission, headed by former Financial Services Authority chairman Sir Howard Davies.

Best for passengers

It is reviewing how the UK might expand its airport capacity in south-east England.Mr Cornish said: ‘Stansted is uniquely placed to meet the UK's aviation capacity needs now and over the next 15 years.’

‘Almost overnight, Stansted could double the number of flights it handles without any need for significant investment in new infrastructure.’

‘Looking to the long-term, the interests of passengers will be best served by a pragmatic approach, focused on delivering new capacity that is cost-effective and flexible, and capable of driving competition across the aviation industry.’

‘Developing new capacity at a number of airports is likely to be best for passengers.’

Completely Unnecessary

‘Should the Commission take a different view and conclude that the UK needs an effective hub to provide international connectivity, then Stansted could certainly fulfil that role in a cost-effective way.’

Peter Sanders, Stop Stansted Expansion chairman, said the MAG proposals had been ‘framed’ in an ‘unenthusiastic, half-hearted way’.

Mr Sanders said: ‘We will be doing everything possible to convince the Airports Commission to reject the idea of any new runways at Stansted.’

‘With the airport currently operating at only half its permitted capacity a second runway - never mind a four-runway hub double the size of Heathrow today - is completely unnecessary on business grounds and it would be completely unacceptable on environmental grounds.’

The Airports Commission will consider MAG's proposals for Stansted alongside expansion proposals it has received for Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham and plans for a new airport in the Thames Estuary.

The commission is due to produce a shortlist by the end of the year and make its final recommendations in two years' time.”

Stansted currently do not use British Airways as an airline but in light of these expansion plans it may well be that we see major airlines become a feature at the north east London airport. If you are interested in finding out any more information about British Airways and the services they offer, contact them directly on the British Airways contact number. We also strive to stay up to date with all of British Airways’ business developments and publish as many news articles as we can to you equally up to date. Follow this link for all news stories http://www.customerservicescontact.co.uk/news/british-airways-news-update-new-plane-added-to-fleet/.

Article originally found on the BBC website.