Flight 'BA001' from London City Airport to New York -one of the four cities London beat in 2005 to be awarded the Olympics and Paralympics - will display the celebratory message on its underbelly, as it departed at 1.05pm before flying over the Olympic Park.

Garry Copeland, British Airways director of engineering, said: "This is the first time in the history of British Airways that we have branded the underbelly of an aircraft with a celebratory message.

"We hope it will bring a real sense of excitement to the Olympic Park and people living around the area.

"With the countdown underway, British Airways is preparing to welcome the world to Great Britain in 2012."

Customers in the air did not miss the celebrations either – British Airways captains highlighted that there is only One Year to Go until the 2012 Games to customers on board flights on the day.

British Airways ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis was at London City Airport to unveil the aircraft.


The Sydney 2000 heptathlon champion said: "The countdown to the London 2012 Games has finally taken off, and I'm proud to be part of it.

"It's fantastic to mark the occasion with a celebratory message on a BA aircraft flying over East London."

British Airways will be flying customers in from more that 150 destinations worldwide for the London 2012 Games.

With its close links to the Olympic Park, London City Airport is well placed for the 2012 Games, along with Heathrow Terminal 5 – one of the official gateways to the Games, and home of British Airways.

The airline is also reminding customers that the countdown is on for the BA Great Britons Programme, with entries closing today.

The programme offers career-defining opportunities to three talented Brits in the fields of food, film and art, with mentoring from Heston Blumenthal, Richard E Grant and Tracey Emin.

For more details click here.

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