1989 British Airways Commercial

[@johngarland8095]

I was the producer of this commercial and can answer accurately some of the information questions: We filmed this in October 1989 in Utah, USA - Specifically - Salt Lake city for the EYE, Lake Powell for the LIPS, Hever for the EAR, Bonniville Salt Flats for the PICASSO face and Moab for the FACE. It took 9 shooting days and 3 travel days - 12 days but also took 3 months to organize. We used 6000 high school kids and 200 actors. It cost $1.5 million Music was Lemke arranged by Malcom McLaren

[@irenek5407]

John Garland whoa...epic

[@g.d.1722]

Thanks for the info. Is Alan Parker really the director?

[@justinbarber2766]

I was part of the ear when I was in high school. It was amazing to take part in this commercial!

[@johnmoss6868]

The ear was filmed in Heber, not "Hever" (not that anyone other than those of us in the ear would really care about that!)

[@TheAxelay]

How do you feel about this ad now in post 2024?! This ad was a showpiece for globalism and the WEF in it's infancy?! It certainly was a uniter that's for sure but after 35 years, I don't think people feel that way anymore....Still I too love this marvel but I can't help but feel so jaded after over 3 decades sigh...

[@michaelfink3707]

My uncle, Graham Fink, made this commercial and it makes me proud that he worked on such a successful campaign.

[@LadyLLLL]

Michael Fink It’s still one of the best commercials ever! Your uncle should be so proud that this ad campaign had such a lasting impression on people. Everything about it was just perfect, from the song choice (there’s just something abt opera, it touches people) to the concept and execution etc. I was a tween when I watched this on tv for the 1st time and it still gives me goosebumps till this day. It was def a successful ad campaign because I told myself that when I grew older, British Airways would be the airline that I would trust and buy airline tickets from if I were to travel 🤪, and that was what I did. 😅😄 Lol

[@ImtianaJones]

Please thank your uncle for me.

[@dandyhiphop]

One of the best commercials ever.

[@islenas9097]

One, if not the best commercial!

[@dandyhiphop]

@@islenas9097 yes

[@tariqkhader6196]

I am getting emotional watching this. It's not an advertisement. It's a work of art.

[@lococnc]

I was in this video. Filmed on the Bonneville Salt Flats. I was the center of the left eyeball.

[@davidgreene2505]

That wasn't you. That was Harry Wilkins

[@fraserthomson5766]

Where's Waldo? lol

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

Awesome thanks for letting us know.

[@chandreshmishra6595]

How lucky u were 👍

[@sameerwasi1231]

Lucky you

[@SpiritualBeing100]

I'm 61 years old and this is without doubt one of the best commercials I have ever seen -- it gives me goose bumps because it's so beautiful. Thanks for enabling me to watch it again (and again and again...) Love and peace

[@KlasicRock]

You are maybe 71 now. I am 36 and I feel the same way. I am so joyous to have found this commercial. It is memories

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Face Of Babies

[@ashwinikhadilkar3284]

60 now and lived the commercial. Soon planning to fly BA❤❤

[@roberthart3889]

❤

[@OldSchoolLad]

the best commercial ever! I think BA should air this every once in a while this is simply an art which won't get outdated!

[@bluegorila1]

Totally agree! if BA aired this add over and over again would still be up to date as it was many years ago!

[@CreweMike]

OldSchoolLad certainly top 5, but for me the McEwans Lager ad from the previous year will always be number 1.

[@Baharigak]

I agree!

[@russellbarresi6590]

Agree

[@paultwiss199]

Shake 'n vac gave it a good run for its money 😁

[@youtubemad4459]

I was in middle school when we filmed this commercial. I was part of the eye. It was done out on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Fond memories..

[@ZantiMisfit198]

No kidding! That is so cool!

[@Bapi633]

Really, really cool.

[@karentindale7095]

Wow! That's such a good memory to have! This advert (because of the music mostly) always stuck in my mind! That and one for Konica film with people running down sand dunes in bright clothes!

[@wingaard]

Colette - you win :-)

[@kimberlyjaye7312]

I was a freshman in high school when we filmed this commercial. I was part of the red lips on the salt flats. Still have the clothes they had us wear.

[@Rooboyl1]

Still as fresh and captivating as it was in '89. And its real. Genius.

[@davidnewman690]

One of the greatest adverts ever made. And the sound of Tom Conti's voice over the top is perfection. My mum passed away last week and she adored this commercial!

[@canuckrcp]

This is one of my all-time favourite ads!! Not only is it visually stunning with an amazing soundtrack, but it is filled with beautiful symbolism. Its not just a face being created, its the elements. 1 - The smiling lips indicating a warm welcome. 2 - The ear indicating that they listen to their passengers. 3 - The eyes indicating that they are always looking to provide their passengers with what they need. 4 - The mix of races and cultures of the actors to portray they are a truly global airline. 5 - The eye wink at the end showing a bit of youthful cheekiness to indicate that they modern and not old and stodgy. 6 - The use of the colours red, blue and white to reinforce the brand image of being Britain's leading carrier. Truly a marketing and advertising masterpiece!

[@amyerickson4305]

Yes it was one of my favorites. My favorite Christmas ad is Hoppy Lobby with the son who does the dishes and laundry and sells his games to decorate and gets his mom’s gifts.

[@medorajoe7542]

Ha, you have to wonder why BA doesn’t make adverts or claims such as your interpretation. My bet is they can’t as it would be in breach of the advertising standards authority guidelines. Dire airline now. And often wonder if BA was ever ‘the world’s favourite airline’ said who?

[@Ghazal7i7]

Perfect song .. perfect scenes shot ..this is a legendary commercial.. I was a school then back in 1989 now I am in my mid 40s .. this commercial reminds me of those lovely happy days

[@desertrose1226]

Lovely days. I was only little, a baby really..but I remember so many of these ads and as an adult this advert really captivates me. The music, the art, the narrators soothing voice.. I’m surely not alone when I say today’s world just isn’t the same anymore 😔

[@brachema]

Everything in life does and will change , for better or worse. Life moves on and you've got to move on with it.

[@mom2bodie]

I was part of this!!! I was part of the "missing" ear!!! ;) it was fun to be a part of this...I'm glad I came across this on here!!

[@RedSkyHorizon]

1989! I remember this ad but I can't believe its from 89. It hasn't aged a day.

[@justinbarber2766]

I was in high school when this commercial was made. I was part of the ear running out of the trees. We shot it several times as the helicopters flew over head, just to make sure it looked good. We had to run to our exact location in perfect timing. It was an extraordinary experience I was lucky to take part in. What a masterpiece!

[@andrewfallon3998]

Amazing. 😍

[@N0THlNGNESS]

Hi, what was the casting like?.. did they just select random people to feature in the commercial?

[@g.d.1722]

This is the best advert in the history of commercial advertising. It never fails to move me ...

[@StarzzyJJASD]

Brings back memories off when I was a child growing up in Manchester, my family was very poor , we didnt have much but we loved one another, It brings tears to my eyes I remember seeing this advert on the telley thinking I wish I could fly on an airplane with my family to all those beautiful places , now I'm 49 years old travelled all over the world , sadly both my parents passed away but will always remember this advert

[@roberthart3889]

❤

[@robertgrant008]

Everything you said is true because I felt the same

[@noagruber8028]

Me too. I grew up in Manchester tooand never went anywhere because we were a big family and my dad couldn't leave his chemist shop with anyone for long. Today I live in New York with my American husband and have also travelled the world and continue to do so and am a pilot but I ill never forget those BA adverts and the magic and wonder they inspired in me as a little girl.

[@stenwald]

Reminds me of being a kid and almost anything seemed possible.

[@Oliver-tm7jm]

Same - Nothing but negativity now on the TV

[@frederiquekruger4818]

@@Oliver-tm7jm negativity and hate. It seems as if humanity is becoming more and more ignorant.

[@TheAxelay]

Aspects are now on breaking point 35 years later, to the nationalist this ad is nothing more than the WEF and globalist propaganda in it's earliest infancy....Still it's a wonderful piece of art that is now no longer relevant in these dark times.

[@Juneaupuff]

Damn...that hit the nail on the head for how this commercial makes me feel

[@dawneanderson6732]

I was in high school in Moab Utah and was part of the mouth on the winky face at the end (1:14). Filmed at Dead Horse Point State Park.

[@surfrescue3232]

Tom Conti’s voice … and the pausing (you never hear anyone do this) and the long pause before he says “together “ as the face winks , actually get d me a bit teary. It just reminds you of how it seemed people were less vile back then .

[@solartaire1]

All that was required for me to see this again after so long was type in "old British Airways ad." Just shows how good it was that it's still relevant.

[@adrianchan1622]

I am proud to be one of the British Airways employees when the ad launched.

[@LukeMais888]

lol

[@f32440i]

Yeah whatever. 🤣

[@random...3723]

Heh? Really? Cool.

[@sskoog]

Been 30 years, and I remember this like it was yesterday. Surely one of the three to five best adverts of all time.

[@RoadCone411]

There are very few advertisements that come along that so capture the essence of the product they are selling, that resonate so well with the viewers. This is one, it was majestic, captivating, clever. Perfect.

[@KidAJonni]

This is one of The Greatest commercials ever! I was a young kid in 1989 and for some odd reason everything this commercial brings out has made me hooked to this ad since the first time I saw this late at night on tv. A Masterpiece!

[@jonrobinson4308]

One of my favourite ads. I love the music too

[@ZantiMisfit198]

I cant believe this commercial is 25 years old! I actually used to look forward to this commercial coming on the tele.

[@MusiqueMonAmour]

Absolutely unbeatable. My favorite commercial ever. Both music and images! I return to watching it time and time again, gives positive energy and brings a smile to one's face. And in these difficult times (IS in Syria and Iraq) allows us to dream of the unity of humanity, once again : )

[@richl]

Love your comment

[@しぶやハチ]

Watching this video will bring you back to the feelings of those days. Please do not erase forever

[@adamcnperi]

This commercial used to play in New Zealand when I was only 3 years old, I somehow remembered it 33 years later, must be one of the best commercials ever made!!

[@juanspeko]

I love this ad so much..brings me back to my childhood in the 80's. Everything's real here no CGI trickery involved. :)

[@flukeman022]

Ridzuan Md Nazir far as I can remember the shadows were CGI

[@bmthba]

Very emotive advert for me... we were all so proud to work for BA in this wonderful era ❤️

[@bobduvar]

The crew was one of the best in airlines industry... I've flown so many times from Marseilles (south of France) to Dubai with BA or Nice Côte d'Azur to Los Angeles late in the 80's until late the 90's... BA was probably in the top 3 among the airline companies in high quality !! Much much more than Air France with rude crews !

[@bmthba]

@@bobduvar the 1980s and 90s were a great time to work for BA, I loved working for BA then and cherish the memories, we really loved our jobs and loved our passengers who flew with us.

[@vap57]

After all these years, still gives me goosebumps!

[@cheek1610]

This BA Ad is still my favourite after almost 30 years. So Classy in everyway. LOVE it... 👍😀👌

[@mrdroney11]

Best commercial, more like art , fantastic job to all involved . Def should rerun this advert BA

[@balunbustingbear]

Still one of the best adverts of our time. No one has yet surpassed this. I too saw it when it first came out and it has been forever imprinted in my brain. Whenever I hear the duet from Delieb's Lakmé I automatically think of this advert. In fact, one of my coworkers heard the duet on a classical music radio station and automatically said "oh, that's the BA ad from years ago". Now that's advertising!!

[@Fonthandler]

Omg why did I just get teary watching this? Lol.

[@lindseyjo5075]

Same here, had to hold them back lol

[@andrewfallon3998]

Same here... Always loved this track. Watching it with the old advert hit me right in the feels...

[@ashleyreid6356]

Oh just go ahead and have a cry, I did lol. I cry for a time when world peace seemed doable and the world was just waiting there to be discovered... this ad represents hope. Hope makes me cry!

[@Fonthandler]

@@ashleyreid6356 Haha just watched it again, 5 years later and still teary eyed. 😂😭 Except now I was thinking, ooh social distancing!🚫🚫 Oh how things have changed.

[@rajnirvan3336]

I feel this too. I always remember when I went LA in 1991 hearing this just before the safety video. Was also my happiest memory of going on holiday

[@TheFlyingExperience]

i watched this when I was 15 and even till today, this rings in my mind. BRAVO amzinggggggggggggggggggggg

[@swisspuppy]

This was the most creative, beautiful and meaningful commercial ever. I love the jet sound in the end with the old British Airways classical logo. That time traveling had its class. The good old time before the September 11th.

[@umealvi5887]

I use too travel to Pakistan on British airways as a child in the 90s it was truly an experience as it was pure luxury unlike travel in this past decade...people def had more unconditional love back then..I really miss those days from the bottom of my heart....😔

[@Giskard1000]

Awesome advert! When the face changes into a world map, it's a sublime ending!

[@pramitmitra]

I used to wait every week for a program called The World this Week on the state-run telly just to see this ad - back in India in the early 90s. How time flies....Wish I knew where this ad was shot when I visited Page, AZ, couple of years back.....Aria on Air is such a beautiful song. You don't see ads like this anymore. An instant classic!

[@Samuel_J_Russell]

One of my favourite commercials ever and something that reminds me of growing up in the eighties!

[@pedrostrik]

Best commercial ever made

[@pramodf]

I remember I was like 15 and there was this big news that a very expensive British Airways ad was to be broadcast on state television... we were all glued to the tv that evening!

[@cuteyces]

i was in senior high when this commercial was released and i instantly fell in love with the musical score, i remember calling a local radio station to get the title of the song when they played it, Aria by yanni, a masterpiece!

[@rajnirvan3336]

Every time I hear this reminds me of fly to Los Angeles in 1991 when entering the plane before the safety video was being played. Also it was the best holiday I ever had just turned 14 years old and celebrated my birthday on board. Thanks for the memories

[@richl]

thats a great memory to have )

[@dbdrinkwater8703]

Undoubtedly one of the greatest commercials ever made. So inspiring and when you watch it shows us the world that it was back then and makes you reflect on how different it is today. The modern world is great, but that era was absolutely perfect!

[@HHL-qt2xb]

With the Cold War ending, it was a time of great optimism, and possibilities- including in the area of travel. BA captured that feeling perfectly (and memorably) w/this campaign.

[@jjff619]

Happy to see people who involved in the production gathered here now! Imagine there was no drone in those years yet and challenging to film from aerial view in different weather and places. Love this commercial! ❤️

[@LNERK361983]

This is one of my favourite ads of all time! I always insisted on having this turned up when we watched TV. Nowadays such ads would be done on computer.

[@1973Balraj]

Aaaaaw, the heyday of BA! If they resurrected this ad on British telly, it would be better than any other ad at the moment. It brings a tear to the eye! Brings back memories of flying BA 747s and Tri-Stars to Delhi, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Singapore, etc.

[@Locutus]

I think the business airline Silverjet did a copy of this advert 10+ years ago, but on a much smaller scale.

[@anacarpenter9254]

Living in New Zealand 2021 my favourite airways commercial ever only time will tell when when any international flights on a broader scale return. Malcolm McLaren British airways...

[@paultwiss199]

A blisteringly creative video. It is still one of the most iconic advertisements of all time.

[@amyerickson2726]

I haven seen this in years. One of my favorites. Thank you for posting it.😊

[@Bapi633]

I was in the school when I first watched this commercial, I was 9 or 10 at that time. The hostess who appears at 1.04 was the prettiest woman I've ever seen. For some unknown reason I could never throw her outta my mind. I'm 36 now and still come here and watch this commercial just to have a look at her.

[@jeffkatz9723]

Hope today's ultra tech generation appreciate the splendor and sheer magnificence of this surreal production. Choreographed discipline at it's very best 👌

[@damphotos]

Certainly one of my favourite adverts of all time. That I still want to go back and view it again (and again) after almost 30 years is testament!

[@PremiumBlank]

I was in love with this song and looked for it for a long time. Finally I accidently stumbled onto it by listening to KZbin pure moods. THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!

[@liamf7838]

What a Classic when adverts were good and better then some of the programs on 🙂

[@ParticleSon]

My FAVOURITE AIRLINE COMMERCIAL EVER. Remember this back when I was 8 years old.

[@Benjackallnutt]

This advert gives my goosebumps and evokes so many feelings from being a kid dreaming of world travel, which I’m happy to say have have been very lucky to have achieved in my lifetime, this was the spark thanks @BA

[@verysinful27]

I remembered this ad because of the music and I was in 14 years old and now I am 43 and for the last 6 years I have been travelling British Airways and every-time I think of this ad and the music. I just found out the song- Aria- Flower Duet..

[@strike1977]

Apart from the old Ansett Airlines ad that had Enya, this is the most memorable ad from any airlines in a generation, period!

[@roberthart3889]

Gives me goosebumps and brings tears to my eyes. The power of advertising. Will forever be a favourite ❤💙🤍

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

Technically, can this be argued as being one of the most famous and original earliest flash mobs ever? Just love the bunch of people for the lips coming out of the sea moving seamlessly on land then the people creating one of the eyes, just love the ingenuity of this commercial especially the wink then the morph into the globe at the end plus as a child of 12 in 1989, this first introduced me to Delibes's Flower Duet and Lakme', one of my most favourite pieces from any Opera ever! Even more cool is the many commercials in the 1980's that famous used classical music and opera and music introduced many people to it, especially young children like myself back then. Years ago I actually bought a music cassette of classical music from TV commercials.

[@jaredbollo7843]

This was my favorite child hood advert, well done advert, I love British Airways

[@j0nny8oy84]

This really does bring back my childhood

[@EnronnSierra]

Remember this ad always showed on JBC in Jamaica and always thought it was so modern and refreshing at a young age. Looking back, 1989 doesn't seem that long ago, but I somehow thought it was much in the 80s. Where did the time go? Key people I loved, my parents, we use to see this ad together and they are no longer here.

[@joseeephine123]

Always been my favorite commercial since I can remember..imagine my surprise a few years ago when we attended a Yanni concert and this played, accompanied of course by the ladies for the vocals. Hearing it live is one of the most profound moments in my life! Aria on air for those wondering :)

[@johnting4718]

I used watch this ad when i was like a kid. This is such a memorable and creative ads even until now.good job

[@hatednyc]

One of my favorite commercials of ALL TIME. As a kid this song always gave me goose pimples. I thought for the longest time that Great Britain really looked like this. LOL

[@PaulHemsley-sp1gr]

Pure genius of an advert. My favourite ad ever.....Brilliant!!!

[@southcalder]

I loved this advert, especially the Concorde roar at the end. Wish they still used a version of the music on the inflight safety video, instead of the “attempt to be funny” celebrity video they have now. Might no longer be the Worlds Favourite Airline, but it’s still mine.

[@david.juillet]

I have l loved this for 30 years. Thank you

[@johnbudd4926]

Missing this airline so much...the staff are brilliant and the service 1st class all the time.the music makes me cry.see u soon BA.!!!!

[@sauravghosh2553]

I used to simply love this commercial :-) I was in school then, and I used to watch TV at certain times just to see this ad...

[@beeba77]

Judy Chabola choreographed this amazing commercial. She was an amazing talent. She died of breast cancer in the late 90s and is terribly missed.

[@koseavase]

This add uses to come during 1991-92 AUS vs India test highlights in Doordarshan at night. I was searching for this add for a long time, thanks for uploading

[@TrueCourse]

Agreed, Antsun. Truly a beautiful creation. The blending of Aria and the beautiful scenery of place and people brings awe and inspiration. Thanks very much for sharing :)

[@CJD666]

When I worked in Airfreight this ad played as a hold tune whilst booking freight onto BA flights in the office we used to put our phones on speaker and sometimes the whole office would be playing it!

[@perezster]

A piece for the annals of tv commercials, BA has eye and mind capturing commercial. British Airways has always been my favorite airline since I flew them for the first time in March 1992. I've had the opportunity to fly them many times and I will continue. Thanks for sharing this ad on KZbin.

[@kerryncartercarter543]

Love this. Thanks very much for posting this. It brings back the memories of the old time days☺:-)

[@MusiqueMonAmour]

I am working on making a sensible collection of my Favourites, of music that moved me & meant something to me through the years. I am stil mining in my brain as in a diamong-mine. A few days ago I thought about this beautiful, simply unforgettable BA commercial that haunted me all these years!! I wasn't sure I would find it on YT to add it to my favourites. But here it is! I was so nicely surprised that I am not the only one to love it! I understood that beauty, like truth, will survive!

[@desertrose1226]

Pure happiness in a simple advert. The good old days.

[@IndigoEnchantress]

I still remember this ad as a child, I always assumed it was a Pepsi commercial, was so shocked to see this ad after all these years, such beautiful imagery ❤️

[@coeurfleur]

no, you don't sound silly at all...i love this song as much now as i did all those years ago when it first came out. brilliant ad...makes me remember my childhood and wish for a better world too!

[@kapilkashyap3461]

I was 9 year - and that time plane were just a dream. that too British airways - always ring my core to fly down in ba to london

[@parmdeepjagdev8395]

One of the most iconic adverts ever made.BA were truly one of the best airlines in the world once upon a time. They had class. I remember flying with them when they were truly the worlds best airline.

[@corb4969]

A flight commercial difficult to forget. One of it's best!

[@vmm5163]

I used to lie on the floor with the big old wooden speakers jammed both sides of my head and blast this through my skull. Worth it !

[@andreasmunzer9066]

amazing add i was just 6 years old when this was aired, amazing im still impressed now !!

[@paulomarques6156]

A master piece of music and advertise! ("Aria" from Yanni)

[@jasoncamp483]

The opening pulls you right in and you want to stay forever.

[@niawilliams4852]

I remember this as a very young kid. It touched me then and it touches me even more now. People loving and moving in unison in peace. We need this now more than ever. Moving as one under God. God bless whoever made this commercial ❤❤❤❤❤

[@AutumnalMountains]

What a Truly Epic High Quality Ad it was! I remember as a 10 year old watching this ad on TV, and it Really created such a deep impression, an imprint in my mind. Both the visuals and music. Seeing a collective people come together in such designed collaboration was so beautiful and powerful! It really swayed me to wanting to become a stewardess, so I could become part of this delux, heavenly universe they represented. It really was other worldly! 🌌 I decided as I got older I couldn't, bcos I got airsick every time I flew. 😆

[@doloresvancartier8894]

I AM IN LOVE and always have been with this advert! signed Proud Brit ;)

[@BossySwan]

Feel weirdly emotional and patriotic watching this

[@paultwiss199]

Brilliant avatar ! Twiglets !

[@ImtianaJones]

Oh man the FEELS - suddenly I'm a 10- year old kid again dreaming of planes and travel.

[@leeansell234]

Exactly the same feelings for me too - one of the greatest ads ever made

[@emercycrite]

One of the best commercials of all time.

[@anacarpenter9254]

2024 Living in New Zealand 🇳🇿 one of my most favourite advertisements. ❤ 😊

[@fragglepuppies]

Got to watch an ad before I can watch an ad. Go figure. But it was worth it. Best airline ad ever.