If British Airways and Qantas Were to Merge...

Posted December 11, 2008 by Jaklien van Melick

After Lufthansa’s takeover of bmi, now British Airways, the U.K.’s flag carrier and Qantas, the ‘Flying Kangaroo airline’, are reported to be discussing a possible merger. A decision will probably not be made anytime soon, but it made me wonder what this airline would look like. Would the British stiff upper lip fit in with the laid-back Ozzie attitude? Let’s take a little preview, shall we?

When boarding travellers are greeted with a 'g’day mate' or a 'how do you do, madam' by flight attendants wearing tweed uniforms and Ugg boots. A symphony of bagpipe and didgeridoo music sounds through the cabin as passengers try to find their seats, which are upholstered in fabric with aboriginal prints and Burberry head rest covers. The drinks from the mini bar vary from ice cold Foster’s beer and fine wines from Hunter Valley to warm ale and Tetley tea with milk. The menu features kangaroo steak and ale pie or crocodile roast with Yorkshire pudding topped with a Vegemite gravy. The in-flight entertainment consists of endless reruns of Eastenders and Neighbours that can be enjoyed while nibbling on Quality Street chocolates and Tim Tams from the midnight snack bar. On overnight flights passengers cuddle up underneath English duck-down Doonas and in the morning the crew serves a full English breakie  accompanied by Weet-bix.

It's not set in stone yet, but with all of these cross-cultural combinations, how can this merger not be a great success?

(Photo: News of the World)

Categories: British Airways