British Airways secured a PR coup this morning as the airline flew the triumphant Team GB home from the Rio Olympics.
The successful athletes landed at Heathrow at this morning on a gold-nosed Boeing 747 aircraft appropriately named ‘VictoRIOus’ by the public.
Gold medallists Nicola Adams and Max Whitlock were the first to walk off the aircraft to a warm reception at Terminal 5, as captain Steve Hawkins waved a union flag out of the cockpit window.
The aircraft carried a haul of 92 medals on board which weighed a total of 46kg, alongside 320 athletes and support staff.
The special charter flight also featured the hashtag ‘#greattobeBAck’ on its livery, which the fans and athletes have been using.
Extra water, Champagne, snacks and treats were loaded on the 11 hour 15 minute flight from Rio de Janeiro.
Passengers were given a three-course menu on board, as well as full English breakfast and tea before landing.
Excitement’s building at #T5 ready for the #victoRIOus return of @TeamGB share your messages using #greattobeBAckpic.twitter.com/fGxz9gsh8I
— British Airways (@British_Airways) August 23, 2016
Highlights from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games were shown on board, alongside sporting documentaries.
Upon landing there was a ‘Facebook Live’ broadcast with athletes from inside the aircraft, which can be viewed on facebook.com/TeamGB.
‘VictoRIOus’ will take flight once again to bring back ParalympicsGB from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, when they arrive home on September 20.
BA chairman and chief executive, Alex Cruz, said: “Today is a very special moment in British sporting history and for the airline too.
“We’re all very proud of Team GB, and it has been a pleasure to serve the athletes once again as the official airline supplier.”