Why can't BA use items made in the UK in First?
#61
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Jersey may not be in the UK but it is British. I wonder if the OP really meant "why can't BA use items made in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland" as opposed to "why can't BA use British items"
In this vein, why bother branding the airline as British at all, why not just make it a Generic International Airline, the only thing that matters is that it's "good" right?
In this vein, why bother branding the airline as British at all, why not just make it a Generic International Airline, the only thing that matters is that it's "good" right?
#62
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If it was being set up now, would someone founding it be likely to call it British Airways?
Providing a high quality product, regardless of source of items, is important imo - it is a shame that BA doesn't feel that way
#63
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#64
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I have no idea bout ownership (neither for Elemis nor for Molton Brown, but then at that rate, many of the greatest Bordeaux wines and vineyards now belong to Japanese and Chinese owners. I'd still personally consider them as French wines), but Elemis's ads, including at the LHR spa keep repeating that they are the 'no 1 luxury British skincare brand' or something to that effect. Is that claim nationally incorrect?
#65
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Seconded. What an outmoded joke of a concept
#66
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I have no idea bout ownership (neither for Elemis nor for Molton Brown, but then at that rate, many of the greatest Bordeaux wines and vineyards now belong to Japanese and Chinese owners. I'd still personally consider them as French wines), but Elemis's ads, including at the LHR spa keep repeating that they are the 'no 1 luxury British skincare brand' or something to that effect. Is that claim nationally incorrect?
Anyway, until BA is subsidised by the British taxpayer they can buy what the heck they want. I personally would like to see them source only British made goods as long as they weren't those overrated and overpriced brand names.
#67
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It has been called British Airways for a long time - before being a private company iirc - no reason to change it
If it was being set up now, would someone founding it be likely to call it British Airways?
Providing a high quality product, regardless of source of items, is important imo - it is a shame that BA doesn't feel that way
If it was being set up now, would someone founding it be likely to call it British Airways?
Providing a high quality product, regardless of source of items, is important imo - it is a shame that BA doesn't feel that way
Easier to keep the continuity and also it used to be "Veddy British" !
#68
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In its previous existence it was called British Overseas Aviation Corporation ?
Easier to keep the continuity and also it used to be "Veddy British" !
Easier to keep the continuity and also it used to be "Veddy British" !
Last edited by NWIFlyer; Oct 17, 2017 at 12:07 am Reason: Fix quote
#69
Join Date: May 2013
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The company name has brand value, recognition, awareness etc. Its nothing to do with where they source blankets and similar items from.
#70
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Of course, I suspect the location v quality argument is a bit of a moot point since BA treats amenity kits as the equivalent of a christmas stocking stuffer 'lets just bloody well get something in there to bulk it out!' as opposed to caring about EITHER the quality or the provenance message.
#71
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Well, some interesting responses here (and some amusing ones!)
To those who have said 'why does it matter where something is made?', part of enjoying a product is surely psychological, so yes, to some people it matters. Does it also not matter what brands BA uses by extension? Personally I don't understand why someone would care what brand is used but not also where it's made, but (maybe) I'm just weird. To get slightly philosophical, do you think a computer will be able to create great works of art before too long?
As others have already observed, there is often also a quite material correlation between where something is made and the quality (I'm not saying you can't buy very high quality Chinese-made goods).
I think with food items BA already do a reasonable job of showcasing British produce (and I actually don't hate the English sparkling wine as long as it's not the only choice, it's not as good as Chapel Down or Nyetimber IMO but it's not terrible, it's perhaps more appropriate for J than F, though). My only suggestion is I would like them to try to extend that to other areas of the product more.
To those who have said 'why does it matter where something is made?', part of enjoying a product is surely psychological, so yes, to some people it matters. Does it also not matter what brands BA uses by extension? Personally I don't understand why someone would care what brand is used but not also where it's made, but (maybe) I'm just weird. To get slightly philosophical, do you think a computer will be able to create great works of art before too long?
As others have already observed, there is often also a quite material correlation between where something is made and the quality (I'm not saying you can't buy very high quality Chinese-made goods).
I think with food items BA already do a reasonable job of showcasing British produce (and I actually don't hate the English sparkling wine as long as it's not the only choice, it's not as good as Chapel Down or Nyetimber IMO but it's not terrible, it's perhaps more appropriate for J than F, though). My only suggestion is I would like them to try to extend that to other areas of the product more.
Last edited by lost_in_translation; Oct 17, 2017 at 12:35 am
#72
Join Date: May 2013
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Well, some interesting response here (and some amusing ones!)
To those who have said 'why does it matter where something is made?', part of enjoying a product is surely psychological, so yes, to some people it matters. Does it also not matter what brands BA uses by extension? Personally I don't understand why someone would care what brand is used but not also where it's made, but (maybe) I'm just weird. To get slightly philosophical, do you think a computer will be able to create great works of art before too long?
As others have already observed, there is often also a quite material correlation between where something is made and the quality (I'm not saying you can't buy very high quality Chinese-made goods).
I think with food items BA already do a reasonable job of showcasing British produce (and I actually don't hate the English sparkling wine as long as it's not the only choice, it's not as good as Chapel Down or Nyetimber IMO but it's not terrible, it's perhaps more appropriate for J than F, though). My only suggestion is I would like them to try to extend that to other areas of the product more.
To those who have said 'why does it matter where something is made?', part of enjoying a product is surely psychological, so yes, to some people it matters. Does it also not matter what brands BA uses by extension? Personally I don't understand why someone would care what brand is used but not also where it's made, but (maybe) I'm just weird. To get slightly philosophical, do you think a computer will be able to create great works of art before too long?
As others have already observed, there is often also a quite material correlation between where something is made and the quality (I'm not saying you can't buy very high quality Chinese-made goods).
I think with food items BA already do a reasonable job of showcasing British produce (and I actually don't hate the English sparkling wine as long as it's not the only choice, it's not as good as Chapel Down or Nyetimber IMO but it's not terrible, it's perhaps more appropriate for J than F, though). My only suggestion is I would like them to try to extend that to other areas of the product more.
Instead the airline has gradually offshored as much as it can.
So one might conclude that such psychological factors are unimportant in the BA world?
#73
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How about if the quality is perceived as somewhat similar? When it came time to buy a set of China I bought Royal Crown Derby and spent approximately 3X what a Wedgwood service would have cost because RCD was made in England (in Derby!) and Wedgwood is now made in Thailand.
#74
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To those who have said 'why does it matter where something is made?', part of enjoying a product is surely psychological, so yes, to some people it matters. Does it also not matter what brands BA uses by extension? Personally I don't understand why someone would care what brand is used but not also where it's made, but (maybe) I'm just weird.
If I fly first, I'm expecting a decent service standard that is suitable to international travelers. There might be some local "home player eccentricity" on the menu, but if it consists solely of toad in a hole, spotted dick, English sparkling and Yorkshire tea, then I'd rather be on another airline.
Let's face it, there is a reason why every other village on the planet has a Chinese and an Italian restaurant, but the only places with English pubs (never restaurants!) are the ones with a large number of British expats and tourists.
I don't know enough about fine toiletries or wool blankets to comment on those...
#75
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