British Airways promises Aussie songwriter a seat on the ‘First Plane Home’

British Airways has shared the festive joy by promising to reunite a British-Australian songwriter with her family as soon as possible.

The songwriter, Emmi, sent British Airways a copy of her song, First Plane Home, and a note explaining why she wrote it.

“I wrote this song as a letter to my family when I knew the current travel restrictions would prevent me returning to the US if I came home for Christmas,” she told the airline.

“My heart broke at the realisation. I haven’t seen them for a year.

“But, I know I’m not the only one separated from loved ones for issues which relate to the pandemic this year, so really this is a song for all of us. It’s a reflection on the year we’ve shared and a celebration of being alive and loved.”

The song struck a chord with the team at British Airways, so much so that the airline has promised to reunite Emmi with her loved ones when she is able to travel freely again between the UK and the US.

The gesture was part of the company’s new campaign celebrating the gift that travel represents.

“Although British Airways has started flying to more destinations across the globe, we know many of our customers, like Emmi, will be separated from loved ones this holiday season as a result of the global pandemic,” the airline’s director of brand and customer experience, Carolina Martinoli, said.

“This song serves as a beautifully poignant reminder of how special travel is. When the time is right, British Airways is here for you – and we can’t wait to get you on that important plane home.”