Key Takeaways
• British Airways replaces Twinings with Birchall tea on all long-haul flights starting May 1, 2025.
• Birchall’s award-winning teas will be available in every cabin and lounge, enhancing premium inflight experiences.
• Sustainability and authentic British heritage drive the partnership, with 40 million cups served annually.
British Airways Sets New Standard with Birchall Tea on Board: What It Means for Passengers and Britain’s Inflight Experience
British Airways 🇬🇧 has revealed a big change that will impact every traveler flying its routes, both near and far. Starting May 1, 2025, the airline will roll out a brand-new tea service on all long-haul flights, replacing its long-time partner, Twinings, with Birchall—a respected, family-owned tea company from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. This update will soon reach Club Europe, the short-haul business class, in June 2025. For a company that serves close to 40 million cups of tea a year, this isn’t just a minor update—it’s a strong move that brings British heritage and sustainability to the core inflight experience.
The Big Announcement: British Airways and Birchall’s Partnership
British Airways is always looking for ways to highlight British identity on board. By choosing Birchall, a tea maker with a history dating back to 1872, the airline shows its ongoing commitment to bringing the best of Britain 🇬🇧 to both local and international travelers. Birchall’s teas aren’t just ordinary blends—they have received numerous awards, including being the UK’s most-awarded tea for taste for more than ten years. The change will see all tea in lounges and cabins, from first class to economy, supplied by Birchall from May for long-haul flights.
Here’s what Calum Laming, the Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, said about the change:
“We’re proud to be continually leading the way in championing British originality… our tea not only ticks the taste box but also showcases the quality and talent we have on our doorstep here in the UK.”
This signals that British Airways is determined to make every aspect of its service as authentically British as possible, while also focusing on quality and forward-thinking.
What Passengers Can Expect: Tea for Every Traveler
The changeover to Birchall’s award-winning teas will touch every traveler, no matter where they sit on the plane. The airline has thought this through from top to bottom.
Here is the breakdown for what to expect in each cabin:
- First Class: Travelers can look forward to Birchall’s famous “Great Rift” breakfast blend, a black tea that has become an industry favorite. Passengers will also be offered special choices such as Camomile, Lemongrass & Ginger, and Red Berry & Flower teas.
- Club World (long-haul business class): This cabin will feature a special English Breakfast blend crafted just for trade use, along with Peppermint, Green Tea, and Earl Grey teas.
- World Traveller Plus (premium economy) & World Traveller (economy): On long-haul flights, every customer will enjoy the English Breakfast blend with an option for a decaffeinated version. For those on short-haul flights, Birchall’s English Breakfast tea will be available for purchase from the onboard shop.
- Lounges: No matter which global lounge a traveler enters, they’ll find Birchall teas on offer.
By matching specific teas to each cabin’s needs, British Airways and Birchall aim to make sure all passengers can enjoy a quality cup of tea, whether they’re flying First or Economy.
Why the Change Matters: A Bigger Cup Than You Think
On the surface, a switch in tea provider may not seem very important. However, for a British airline serving almost 40 million cups of tea every year, the change speaks volumes. British Airways sets a high standard, and their decision to move from Twinings to Birchall is about more than just taste—it reflects an ongoing promise to leading British brands and staying in tune with customer expectations in the air.
A strong British identity matters in the modern travel world, especially as more travelers appreciate little details that make an airline or a country unique. This move allows British Airways to continue flying the flag—literally—for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 as passengers travel around the world.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this update will likely set a new standard for premium British inflight service, further driving home the message that the nation’s traditions, such as afternoon tea, belong in the sky as much as on the ground.
Birchall’s Heritage: More Than Just a Brand
Birchall isn’t just a tea company; it’s a part of British history. Founded in 1872 and still family-run today, the company has won numerous awards for its strong and smooth black teas, especially the Great Rift blend. Over the past decade, Birchall’s teas have received many Great Taste Awards, recognized across the tea industry.
Birchall’s strong history and modern approach combine tradition with new ideas. This makes the partnership a natural fit for British Airways, a company that also has deep roots but always tries to improve its service for today’s travelers.
Putting the Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability, or caring for the environment and people, is also at the heart of this partnership. Birchall uses responsible ways to source its tea, mainly from East Africa. This region has the perfect climate for quality tea leaves, but Birchall stands out for paying attention to both quality and fairness. By working directly with tea growers and choosing sustainable practices, the company makes sure that every cup brewed helps both its customers and the environment.
British Airways cares about the same things. Choosing Birchall shows a commitment to greener operations, which matter more to travelers these days. Combining tradition and modern ideas around sustainability answers the call from people worldwide who want their travel to create a positive impact.
If you want to see more about how British Airways handles food and drink choices and its broader sustainability commitments, you can visit the official British Airways food and drink information page.
The Decision-Making Process: Taste Tests and Customer Input
This new collaboration wasn’t a random choice. British Airways picked Birchall after organizing blind taste tests. The company’s teas scored higher than those from the competition, confirming they not only have the awards but also truly deliver on flavor in real-world settings. When serving up to 40 million cups per year, even a small improvement in flavor becomes a big deal.
It’s also clear British Airways listens to customers, many of whom expect a memorable cup of tea above the clouds. By bringing in a brand loved for its rich taste, the airline looks to please even the most selective tea fans. Changing a staple onboard drink could have backfired, but strong testing and careful planning mean that most passengers are likely to welcome the new flavors.
Impact on Different Groups: Passengers, Crews, and Britain’s Image
Passengers:
– For travelers, whether frequent flyers or first-time visitors, the new tea offering brings a touch of British hospitality.
– Passengers can enjoy a high-quality, consistent tea service, no matter their cabin.
– On long-haul flights, extra comfort matters, so a better cup of tea can help brighten the long hours in the sky.
Cabin Crews:
– Flight crews benefit, too, because serving something fresh and well-liked means happier passengers and smoother service.
– Clear training and simple choices, like easy-to-brew English Breakfast and decaf varieties, help minimize complications at 35,000 feet.
British Airways and Brand Britain:
– The airline gets to boost its British reputation, both at home and overseas.
– By picking an award-winning, traditional tea company, British Airways 🇬🇧 helps support homegrown talent and craftsmanship, further strengthening the country’s standing on the global stage.
Sustainability Advocates:
– People who care about where their food comes from and how it’s produced will appreciate the steps Birchall and British Airways 🇬🇧 are taking.
– This new move could push other airlines to raise their own standards, creating a broader positive effect throughout the industry.
Passenger Experience: What Will Actually Change on Board?
- Freshness: Passengers will notice fresher, well-brewed cups, especially in premium cabins.
- Variety: There will be more tea options, which means those with different tastes, from classic black to herbal and berry, can find a cup to enjoy.
- Consistency: Every lounge and cabin gets the same attention to quality, raising the whole inflight experience.
Travelers in First Class and Club World will notice higher-end blends and herbal specialties, while those in economy still get access to a premium product. For anyone who enjoys a good cup of tea as part of their British Airways journey, the experience just got an upgrade.
Short and Long-Term Effects on the Industry
In the short term, British Airways passengers will likely talk about the new tea, comparing it with what they were used to. Loyal customers who have always preferred Twinings may need some time to adjust, but the heritage and quality awards behind Birchall should win many over.
In the long term, this partnership shows other airlines operating out of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Europe that travelers notice—and care about—the small touches. High-quality tea might seem minor compared to big changes in seats or entertainment, but it shows British Airways pays attention to detail. For an airline, those small touches can be the difference between an ordinary trip and a special one.
Addressing Differing Opinions and Reactions
Of course, switching such a widely served drink could create some split opinions. Some loyal Twinings fans might wonder why the change was needed. Others may not notice much difference, or only care about having a hot cup in hand. British Airways has tried to smooth the switch by only moving short-haul routes later and by announcing the news early so travelers know what to expect.
Feedback from taste tests and high scores for Birchall suggest the airline expects most fliers will appreciate the update. The move also opens new conversations about airline catering standards and more caring choices in travel.
How to Enjoy the New Tea: Tips and Info
- If you’re flying First or Business Class, ask your cabin crew about the new options—you might find a new favorite blend.
- On long-haul routes in World Traveller or World Traveller Plus, try the decaf version if you want to rest during your trip.
- For travelers in Club Europe (short-haul business class), watch for the Birchall teas to arrive during June.
- If you’re visiting a British Airways lounge, look for information about the different Birchall teas on display and ask lounge staff about the blends.
- Even in economy, bring your own cup if you like, to make the experience more personal—Birchall’s blends are made to shine under airline conditions.
The Broader Picture: British Tradition in a Modern World
British Airways isn’t just swapping tea—it’s reinforcing the United Kingdom’s 🇬🇧 place in aviation as a leader in hospitality and attention to detail. With fierce competition from other airlines and changing traveler tastes, every update matters.
This isn’t only about flavor. It’s a signal that tradition and newer values, like sustainability and fairness, belong together in modern travel. As fliers return to the skies for both work and fun, the experience inside the plane becomes a showcase for the country’s best—right down to the last drop.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
Starting May 1, 2025, Birchall teas take the spotlight on long-haul British Airways flights, with Club Europe serving the new drinks soon after. Expect fresher, more award-winning blends and an even stronger sense of British hospitality as you sip your tea above the clouds. With this move, the airline honors its roots and guarantees a more enjoyable journey for every passenger.
For anyone flying soon, the message is simple: pay attention to what’s in your teacup—British Airways is making sure it’s nothing less than the best Britain 🇬🇧 and Birchall can offer. To explore more about what airlines serve and their broader efforts around food and sustainability, check the official British Airways page on food and drink.
In summary, the partnership between British Airways, Birchall, and every traveler on board ensures that even the smallest details, like the taste of your tea on a long-haul flight, reflect the big picture of British hospitality and care.
Learn Today
Long-haul flights → Flights covering long distances, often between continents, typically lasting over six hours, such as London to New York.
Club Europe → British Airways’ business class for short-haul European flights, offering enhanced services and premium amenities.
Birchall → A family-owned British tea company established in 1872, known for award-winning blends, especially the Great Rift breakfast tea.
Sustainability → Practices focusing on responsible sourcing, environmental protection, and supporting growers—central to British Airways’ and Birchall’s collaboration.
Blind taste tests → Evaluations where teas are sampled without knowing the brand, ensuring unbiased selection based solely on taste.
This Article in a Nutshell
British Airways will serve Birchall tea on all long-haul flights from May 2025, ending its partnership with Twinings. This move strengthens British heritage, brings sustainability to the forefront, and offers award-winning blends across all cabins. Passengers will notice fresher, expertly crafted teas as part of Britain’s unique inflight tradition.
— By VisaVerge.com
