British Airways has appointed Tim Jackson as the airline’s new full-time Master of Wine. In his new role, Mr. Jackson will source new wines and develop British Airways’ wider complimentary drink strategy on board and across the carrier’s lounges.
On Monday (December 19, 2022), British Airways announced the appointment of Tim Jackson MW as the airline’s new full-time Master of Wine. In his new role, Mr. Jackson will source new wines and develop the carrier’s wider drinks strategy for every complimentary beverage, both onboard and on the ground. Already he has introduced new Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines in the airline’s premium cabins, including Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc in First Class and Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc in Club World, both from Marlborough, New Zealand. From January 2023, British Airways will showcase a different destination each quarter, celebrating the unique wine regions throughout the airline’s global flight network.
In today’s announcement, British Airways’ Director of Onboard Experience, Sajida Ismail, 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.”
British Airways’ new Master of Wine, Tim Jackson MW, added,
“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.”
Introducing British Airways' New Master of Wine, Tim Jackson - Courtesy British Airways
In addition to selecting fine wines and sparkling options, Jackson will play a key role in curating menu descriptions and developing the airline’s beverage portfolio across lounges and onboard, including the championing of British beers, classic gins, and innovative non-alcoholic alternatives. A key part of his role will be considering the difference in flavor, taste and structural changes of beverages at altitude.
From January 2023, Cape Town, South Africa will be British Airways’ first quarterly focus, and will include Radford Dale’s Renaissance Chenin Blanc from old vines in Stellenbosch, along with Andrea and Chris Mullineux’s benchmark Swartland Syrah from South Arica’s ‘Winery of the Year.’ The appointment of a full-time Master of Wine is part of British Airways’ commitment to upgrade their product proposition. Earlier this year, the carrier enhanced services across First, World Traveller Plus, World Traveller and Club Europe, and recently relaunched their Club World brasserie-style dining experience, with new seasonal menus highlighting the best of British cuisine.
The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) is an exclusive membership organization which promotes excellence, interaction, and learning across the global wine community. Since 1953, only 498 Masters of Wine (MWs) have qualified. Originating in the British wine trade, IMW is globally known as the pre-eminent qualification for knowledge, understanding and assessment of wine, with a strong commercial focus.
Tim Jackson is from London and studied Chemistry at the University of Oxford, later earning and MBA from London Business School. He took the Wine & Spirit Education and Trust’s Level 3 Wine & Spirits qualification in 2004, and graduated in 2010 with a distinction in their Level 4 Diploma, winning the wine tasting prize. Tim then joined the Master of Wine study program in 2013, passing all three exam parts by 2017. He pursued his wine career on a full-time basis in 2018, subsequently joining British Airways this year.
Source: British Airways