- British Airways celebrates 10 years of its China Cabin crew base with a special anniversary flight
- The flight was operated by China-based cabin crew, bringing together colleagues who joined the airline at different stages over the past decade
- Approximately 70 China-based cabin crew colleagues now support flights between China and the UK, as well as routes across the airline’s wider network
- The milestone reflects British Airways’ commitment to its people in China and to the wider region
Shanghai, 11 November 2026 – British Airways is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its China cabin crew base with a special flight, recognising the colleagues who have shaped its journey and reaffirming the airline’s continued commitment to China.
The special flight from London to Shanghai touched down at 8:45am Shanghai local time last Saturday , and brought together colleagues who have played an important role in the cabin crew base journey since it was established in 2016.
Operated by China-based cabin crew who joined the airline at difference stages over the past decade, alongside Inflight Manager, Matt Jordan, who trained the first group of Shanghai-based cabin crew 10 years ago and Inflight Lead Michael Baird, whose support has been instrumental to the team over the years.
Harriet Hunter, Director of Cabin Crew at British Airways said: "As we celebrate this important milestone, we are incredibly proud of the role our China cabin crew base has played in supporting British Airways’ long-term commitment to China.
“For the past 10 years, colleagues in China and across British Airways have worked together to create an inclusive and supportive culture where our people can develop and thrive. Our China-based cabin crew combine British Airways’ service with invaluable local insight and cultural understanding, helping our customers feel at home while connecting people, communities and businesses between China and the UK.”
Over the past decade, the base has grown to a team of around 70 China-based cabin crew. Today, these colleagues primarily operate on British Airways’ Shanghai to London service, with an average of three to four colleagues on each flight. They also support services across British Airways' wider network, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Inflight Manager, Matt Jordan, who operated the flight, said: "It is a tremendous honour to be part of this anniversary flight, particularly having trained the very first Shanghai-based crew when the base launched ten years ago. For me, it’s a real full-circle moment.
‘It has been incredibly rewarding to see many of those crew members develop throughout their careers, with some now taking on leadership responsibilities and helping to develop the next generation of colleagues. The success of the base is testament to the passion, professionalism and dedication of everyone who has been part of its journey."
Among those on board was Jill Fan, who has served as a member of the British Airways cabin crew team for the past 10 years, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been part of the China cabin crew base from the very beginning and to be operating this special flight.
‘Over the past 10 years, one of the most rewarding parts of our role has been helping customers feel at home, while building understanding between cultures and creating connections that extend far beyond the flight itself.”
British Airways’ China-based cabin crew have supported customers travelling between China and the UK, providing language support, cultural insight and personalised service on board.
The airline currently flies daily to Shanghai and Hong Kong, as part of its wider Asia-Pacific network connecting London with key destinations across the region. Shanghai is currently operated by its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, offering approximately 160,000 seats annually. Hong Kong route is operated by British Airways' Airbus A350 fleet, featuring its latest business class Club Suite, flying approximately 240,000 seats on the route last year.
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