When British-Australian songwriter Emmi wrote to British Airways with her moving Christmas record, First Plane Home, the airline’s staff enjoyed it so much they decided to share her music and message. The song is inspired by Emmi’s own experience. As a songwriter currently based in New York, she is unable to travel and see her loved ones in the UK or Australia this Christmas.
Emmi, a British Airways frequent flyer, emailed the airline with a copy of her song after its release at the end of November. She said: “I wrote this song as a letter to my family when I knew the current travel restrictions would prevent me returning to the USA if I came home for Christmas. 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.”
Emmi’s song touched the hearts of everyone 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 USA. The gesture forms part of the airline’s new campaign celebrating the gift that travel represents.
British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, Carolina Martinoli, said: “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. 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.”
Emmi added: “I know this is a feeling that will resonate with so many people around the globe during this different holiday season. But I hope it also spreads a unifying message of hope as we look forward to the new year. And when I do finally step onto that first flight home with British Airways, I know it’ll be a very special moment indeed. They couldn’t have given me or my family a gift more precious.”
