British Airways Flies Beckham to Zurich for England 2018 Bid

By British Airways, PRNE
Monday, November 29, 2010

CRAWLEY, England, November 30, 2010 - David Beckham joined hundreds of football fans in adding his signature to
the official British Airways aircraft, carrying England's hopes to Zurich.

Beckham is one of several high profile delegates flying to Zurich
(www.britishairways.com/travel/zurich/public/en_gb) to represent
England ahead of FIFA's announcement on December 2 at 15.00 (GMT).

Speaking at Heathrow's Terminal 5 today, David said: "I'm extremely proud
to be flying to Zurich to represent the England 2018 Bid, and to be
travelling with the hopes of the nation on this official aircraft. I hope
that the next time I'm on British soil, I'll be with the winning England 2018
Bid team."

His signature will appear alongside hundreds of names gathered from
British Airways customers, employees and those from the world of football,
including; Rio Ferdinand, Fabio Capello, Bobby Zamora, Daniel Sturridge, Ray
Clemence
, Trevor Brooking, Gary Lineker, Stuart Pearce and Andy Anson.

Hundreds of names were collected on an electronic board in Terminal 5
during 'Back the Bid' week in August.

British Airways, chief executive Willie Walsh, said: "We have backed the
bid every step of the way. Other than the Olympics, hosting a World Cup is
the biggest sporting event that could come to England. We wish the Bid team
every success in Zurich."

British Airways launched its partnership with England 2018 Bid on St
George's Day with Gary Lineker. Since then the airline has flown the Bid team
around the world to lobby for the right to stage the tournament in England.

As the countdown gets closer, the airline will host a giant screening
area at its head office, to allow employees to watch the bid result live on 2
December.

The airline is working closely with BAA, the owners of Heathrow Airport -
international gateway and official supporter of the Bid, to give the team the
best possible send off.

British Airways is proud to be the official airline of the England 2018
Bid. BA also flew the Bid team and the Bid Book to Zurich in May, to present
to FIFA. Signatures were collected on an electronic board in British Airways'
lounge in Terminal 5, and then transposed on to the British Airways Airbus,
registration 'G-EUOI'.

Images are available to download at www.actionimages.com.

About British Airways:

British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations -
including European city breaks (
www.britishairways.com/travel/city-breaks/public/en_gb), hotels in
Zurich (www.britishairways.com/travel/hotels-in-zurich/public/en_gb),
flights, car rental and experiences. Customers can save time and money with
ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985.
Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the
security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly
seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money
and quality of the service provided.

    PR Contact:

    Katja Cooper
    Astral Towers
    Betts Way
    London Road
    Crawley
    RH10 9XA
    +44-(0)1293-722513

www.ba.com

PR Contact: Katja Cooper, Astral Towers, Betts Way, London Road, Crawley, RH10 9XA, +44-(0)1293-722513

YOUR VIEW POINT
NAME : (REQUIRED)
MAIL : (REQUIRED)
will not be displayed
WEBSITE : (OPTIONAL)
YOUR
COMMENT :