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British Airways and American Airlines open Bridge Bar at JFK T8 lounge

British Airways and American Airlines are enhancing the newly renovated Terminal 8 at JFK airport with the unveiling of the first of its kind, Bridge Bar. 

Featuring a variety of non-alcoholic and spirited cocktails, including Aviation American Gin and Betty Buzz, the premium bar will be part of the Greenwich Lounge experience, within the joint premium Lounges offered by the two airline partners.

Aviation American Gin infuses a blend of botanicals and is fronted by actor Ryan Reynolds; and Betty Buzz, a range of non-alcoholic sparkling mixers founded by actress Blake Lively. 

The new Bridge Bar is designed to celebrate the love of flying and offers customers a place to relax pre-flight, while enjoying delicious cocktails and mocktails.

Betty Buzz prides itself on using clean ingredients like real juice and no artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners. Menu creations include drinks featuring one of five Betty Buzz flavors such as the tasty ‘Blushing Betty’ and the sparkling ‘Adventure Awaits’.

Customers can also enjoy a range of non-alcoholic or spirited Aviation American Gin cocktail creations at their leisure.

Betty Buzz Founder Blake Lively said,

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the entire British Airways and American Airlines crew, as we celebrate the opening of this beautiful new lounge.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said:

Following our recent investment in our new JFK lounges – Chelsea and Soho – we are excited to unveil a new experience in the Greenwich LoungeT. With Betty Buzz and Aviation American Gin, we have created the perfect space for customers to relax pre-flight, offering a varied and delicious cocktail selection and flavours to suit every taste.

The guest journey through the Greenwich LoungeT experience culminates in the Bridge Bar’s open space that transports select customers to the Golden Age of Travel. The space has been created to offer a rich and sophisticated take on mid-century modern design with a classic 1960’s feel.

Kim Cisek, Vice President of Customer Experience at American Airlines said,

We understand travellers are looking for a customised travel experience that starts on the ground and our joint premium lounges with British Airways give our customers the opportunity to do so. The opening of the Bridge Bar and Tasting Room is the latest piece of our premium lounge experience at JFK.

The Greenwich Lounge experience is part of the American Airlines and British Airways joint premium Lounges at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 8.

JFK Terminal 8 Greenwich Lounge Tasting Room

The lounge now also features the new Tasting Room, formerly known as the Flagship First Dining space. 

It features a soft refresh featuring a high-end tap room, making visitors feel like they are inside a beer tavern.

Brooklyn Brewery, the Brooklyn-based leading global independent craft brewer and a pioneer of the American craft beer revolution is the first brand featured in the space.

Customers can relax and sip on an array of Brooklyn Brewery products, including beers on draft, and beer flights ahead of their travels.

A lighter fare menu is also available to enjoy with their beer pairings including Beer Braised Bratwurst, French Onion Grilled Cheese, and a Beer Float dessert.

The Greenwich Lounge experience is accessible to British Airways Club customers, American Airlines customers traveling on Flagship Business and AAdvantage members with AAdvantage Platinum status who are traveling on Flagship Long Haul International itineraries, and oneworld Sapphire and oneworld Business Class customers.


It’s gin o’clock on British Airways

British Airways has announced a new partnership with Aviation American Gin with the premium brand launching on board. 

Aviation American Gin is also available from British Airways’ US and UK lounges and to purchase from the in-flight shop High Life.

British Airways customers flying across the pond and all other long-haul routes will be offered Aviation American Gin from the in-flight menu and short-haul customers will be able to buy it from the on-board Speedbird café.

The partnership builds on the opening of a brand-new area – the Aviation Gin bar in the airline’s Club Lounge in JFK airport in October 2021.

Aviation American Gin was founded in Portland in 2006 and is described as ‘a metaphor for taste and adventure’.  The gin is infused with a ‘democratic blend of botanicals’ – cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper, and two kinds of orange peel ‘to create a smoother, softer, more refined take on gin’.

Tom Stevens, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience said:

Offering our customers a premium experience throughout their journey is important to us.  Partnering with Aviation American Gin is another great addition to our on-board service.

Gareth Williams, International Brand Director at Aviation American Gin said:

We hope our customers join us in celebrating, with a refreshing gin and tonic. We’re so excited to get on board with the UK flag carrier British Airways and take Aviation American Gin to new heights – the sky! Through this partnership, we’re keen to enhance each traveller’s experience with a deliciously refreshing Aviation Gin cocktail for flyers to enjoy on journeys near and far, offering an American twist on this quintessentially British drink!

Aviation American Gin is the world’s highest rated gin (97 points, Wine Enthusiast) and helped establish a new style of American gin – softer and smoother, with juniper in the background and citrus and floral notes in the front – resulting in more balanced cocktails. Created by a unique bartender-distiller partnership, Aviation is crafted in small batches in Portland, Oregon.