Heading stateside: 'The excitement onboard is palpable'

And the excitement on board today’s first British Airways flight departing from Heathrow to New York JFK – on the day that America’s international borders reopen to fully vaccinated travellers – is palpable.

US flags adorn the interior of first class, and the cabin crew are beaming and particularly chatty as they welcome us on board the full flight.

To mark the occasion, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic put their longstanding rivalries aside and perform an impressive synchronised take-off from Terminal 5.

Once we are airborne, the cabin is filled with the sound of cheering and applause as we all gaze out the window at the Virgin Atlantic plane, soaring alongside us like a shiny swan. It’s a feat for the aviation industry and feels like a momentous symbol of hope and camaraderie in these strange times.