British Airways celebrates launch of its Double-Decker A380 Aircraft to Hong Kong with Star-Studded ‘Gig on a Wing’

The best of British music, fashion, design and cuisine came together in Hong Kong for one night only, to celebrate British Airways launching its brand new A380 on the Hong Kong to London route.  The exclusive event, billed as a ‘Gig on a Wing’ showcased the very best  of  British,  to  an audience  that included Keith Williams, British Airways’  Chief  Executive  and  special  guests from Hong Kong’s aviation, travel, business, entertainment and hospitality industry.

Georgia May Jagger and Keith Williams British Airways Chief Executive at British Airways during the A380 launch to Hong Kong

Held  inside  Hong  Kong  International  Airport’s  China Aircraft Services Limited Hangar, British Airways’ state of the art A380 super-jumbo was the star  of  the  show  and  it formed the centrepiece for the invitation only event.

Keith Williams, British Airways’ chief executive, said:  “Today marks another milestone in our long and proud tradition of connecting Hong Kong and London – two truly global hubs. For over three quarters of a century, this city has been an important part of British Airways’ worldwide network, so we are extremely delighted to be operating the state-of-the-art A380 onthe route, and to also be the first to fly it non-stop between Hong Kong and Europe.” 

British Airways’  ‘Gig on a Wing’ event launched with a glamorous fashion show by acclaimed British designer Alice Temperley MBE. Fresh from showing at last month’s London Fashion Week, Alice treated guests to her Spring/Summer 2014 collection from the award winning Temperley London collection. 

Models descended the steps of the A380 aircraft onto British Airways’ specially created “runway” catwalk.  Alice  Temperley  who  has designed dresses  for  stars  including  Keira  Knightly, Rihanna,  Beyonce and The Duchess  of  Cambridge said: “I was thrilled to be asked by British Airways to showcase my new Spring/Summer 2014 collection in Hong Kong and at such a unique and glamorous event. The people here really appreciate cutting edge design, fine tailoring and effortless style, very similar to that of British Airways new A380”.

 

Models wearing Alice Temperley at British Airways Gig on a Wing Event 

This  was  followed  by  an  exclusive live performance from multi-platinum selling  artist  and former  X-Factor  winner Leona Lewis. Lewis performed tracks on a specially created stage, flush with the A380’s 261-foot twin-engine wing.  Leona’s  set  included  a cover of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away”,  her  number  1  selling  track  “Bleeding  Love”  and "Come Alive".

 

Speaking after her performance, Leona Lewis said: “Performing on the wing of the British Airways A380 was an incredible experience and one I will never forget.  After  singing  on  top  of a double-decker bus at the 2008 Beijing  Olympics,  I  thought  that  would  be  a  hard act to follow, but tonight’s ‘Gig on a Wing’ event was very special and unique.” 

The  Langham Hong Kong provided guests with a very British affair, treating them to savoury treats that included mini pork pies, Sunday roast and fish and  chips  canapés,  followed by a true taste of British with an afternoon tea  boasting  a  chocolate  London bus, a marshmallow Big Ben and an Alice Temperley inspired vanilla shortbread. This was complemented by Flower Duet cocktails. Luxury five star hotels, The Langham Hong Kong, is located in the heart of Kowloon. Rich in tradition and refined over 140 years, The Langham Hotel combines the very best of the old and the new.Supermodel  Georgia  May  Jagger,  daughter  of  Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger took  to  the stage with Keith Williams to close the evening with a special  prize  draw,  which  consisted  of  two British Airways Club World tickets  to  London  on  the  new  A380  and  a stay at The Langham London. 

Georgia May Jagger said:  “I'm so happy British Airways invited me to Hong Kong on their first A380 flight. The service, food and flat beds on the long haul flights are second to none and I always arrive feeling well rested.  I love Hong Kong too and look forward to returning and spending more time in this great city”. 

British Airways operates two daily non-stop flights between Hong Kong and London Heathrow. The A380 will serve flight BA25 from London to Hong Kong, and BA26 from Hong Kong to London.