BA takes kids' ideas seriously

Sonette Jacobs (14), from Kimberley, is helping British Airways design the interiors of its new Airbus A380 aircraft, as well as its menus and children’s Skyflyers packs. She's part of an innovative project that is shaping the way the airline meets the needs of its younger passengers. Sonette, a pupil at Northern Cape High School, joined 11 youngsters from the UK, Hong Kong, Mexico, Uganda and Kenya for the second meeting of the British Airways Kids’ Council. They put forward ideas that they believe should be included in the A380, as well as ideas for Heathrow's Terminal 5. The new terminal has four Kidzones that include Playstations, televisions showing children’s programmes and computers. The British Airways Kids Council is the first time any airline has canvassed the opinions of young flyers, aged between 8 and 14 years. Members were chosen on the strength of competition entries, which comprised 200 words on their ideas to improve the airline’s services.