Rock royalty, Sir Mick Jagger is leading a pack of celebrity musicians to create their favourite world music playlists for British Airways’ in-flight entertainment. The airline has struck up a partnership with Songlines magazine via its in-flight entertainment provider, Spafax, to supply the world music playlists based on its celebrity interviews and ‘Top of the World’ selection of new album releases.
Customers will be treated to Jagger’s selection, including Salif Keita and Fela Kuti in March. Top tunes from Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright will feature in April, as well as tracks from new albums by Angélique Kidjo, The Gloaming and Mostar Sevdah Reunion.
Richard D’Cruze, in-flight entertainment manager, said: “Who better to introduce our travellers to the current best and up-and-coming artists on the music scene than legends like Sir Mick Jagger? We believe these playlists will prove really popular as we know our customers love to be brought new entertainment when they fly with us. For many of us, flying offers some rare down-time and the perfect opportunity to listen to different music. Many customers tell us they note down the music on-board and then go on to explore and enjoy more of that artist’s work.
“The partnership with Songlines enables us to tap into their vast expertise to deliver a great experience for our customers.”
BA’s new aircraft boast more than 130 of the latest Hollywood blockbusters and classic movies, more than 650 TV shows from around the world, some 550 audio albums and 225 radio shows. There is also more than 200 hours of non-English programming.
The airline is investing more than £5bn in new aircraft, smarter cabins, elegant lounges and new technologies to make life more comfortable in the air and on the ground.