British Airways appoints Tim Jackson MW
British Airways has appointed a full-time Master of Wine, Tim Jackson MW, to elevate the premium experience for its customers both on the ground and in the air.
Above:
British Airways' Master of Wine, Tim Jackson.
Courtesy British Airways
British Airways’ Master of Wine will play a vital role in selecting and tasting potential new wines, curating menu descriptions, developing the airline’s wider drinks strategy and sourcing a diverse range of wines from across the globe for customers to enjoy.
As well as carefully selecting fine wines and sparkling options, the Master of Wine will also lead the selection of the airline’s drinks portfolio across its lounges and on board. This includes championing the best of British beers, promoting classic gins and rolling out innovative non-alcoholic alternatives. A large part of the role will also include a sustained focus on taking into consideration differences in flavours, as well as taste and structure changes of beverages at altitude.
Sajida Ismail, Director of Onboard Experience at British Airways, said: “We are really excited to have Tim at British Airways. His knowledge and expertise play an integral role in our efforts to continue to deliver the premium experience that our customers look for when they fly with us and offer products that our colleagues are proud to serve.
“Going forward, we also have lots of exciting plans that will champion new drink offerings and celebrate the global network that we fly to.”
Tim Jackson, British Airways’ Master of Wine said: “I’m delighted to be the first person to take this position at British Airways. As an avid traveller, I have sampled wine from all corners of the globe, ranging from California to Chile, so I hope my love for travel, together with my experience and knowledge of beverages, will make a positive difference to the premium experience we offer our customers.”
Tim has already introduced new Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines in the airline’s premium cabins. In First, the airline has rolled out a special Bordeaux selection for the festive season, celebrating the 2010 vintage from both sides of Bordeaux. Customers can enjoy these wines in December.
From January 2023, British Airways will also be introducing a wine-selection strategy in First and Club World, showcasing different destinations across the airline’s network that produce premium wines. The airline will spotlight one destination at a time, to celebrate where the wines come from and the global network that the airline flies to. This builds on British Airways’ continued plans to bring a wide range of wines from around the world for its customers to enjoy in the comfort of their seat. Cape Town in South Africa will be the airline’s first focus.
This appointment forms part of the airline’s wider commitment to continue to upgrade its product proposition for its customers. British Airways implemented an improved service across its First, World Traveller Plus, World Traveller and Club Europe cabins earlier this year and recently relaunched its Club World brasserie-style dining experience, with new seasonal menus championing the best of British cuisine.
The Institute of Masters of Wine is a membership organisation whose members are the Masters of Wine. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs are involved in all aspects of wine including winemaking, distributing, importing, retailing, restaurant and bar service, trading, journalism, wine education and business leadership.
Tim Jackson MW is one of 415 Masters of Wine (MWs) in the world today. Since 1953, 498 MWs have ever qualified, with more people have been into space. MW originated in the British wine trade and is globally recognised as the pre-eminent qualification for knowledge, understanding and assessment of wine, with a strong commercial focus. From London, Tim studied Chemistry at the University of Oxford and went on to achieve a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School. He took the Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s (WSET) Level 3 Wine & Spirits qualification in 2004, then in 2010 graduated with a distinction in their Level 4 Diploma, winning the wine tasting prize. Tim joined the Master of Wine study programme in late 2013, passing all three parts of the exams by 2017. He pursued his wine career full time in 2018 and subsequently joined British Airways this year to bring his expertise to further enhance the airline’s customer experience.