Fashion designer Burberry has installed a life-sized hot air balloon above its pop-up store in the departure lounge of Terminal 2 (T2) at London Heathrow Airport.
Standing more than 15m (49ft) tall, the Burberry Balloon is inspired by the real-life achievements of air commodore Edward Maitland, who travelled 1,117 miles with fellow balloonists Auguste Gaudron and Charles Turner, from Crystal Palace in London to Russia in 1908, and established the British long-distance record. Maitland wore Burberry gabardine suiting for his historic flight, protecting him from the severe hardships of cold at high altitude.
The installation features dedicated iPads and Burberry post boxes, enabling travelers to create and print their own Burberry postcards. The cards can be personalized with a passenger’s name and travel destination, and feature illustrations. An animated video of the Burberry Balloon and its journey from Heathrow to the chosen destination can be shared on the user’s social media account. The Burberry Balloon will be at Heathrow from May 4 to August 7, 2017, before traveling the next leg of its world tour to a secret destination.
Chris Annetts, retail and service director, London Heathrow, said, “We are delighted to be working with Burberry on this exciting installation. The balloon will truly wow our passengers and immerse them in the magic of flying even before they reach their destination. With personalized postcards and the most exclusive products, the Burberry Balloon will be a memorable experience long after our passengers arrive home.”
