British Airways Flies Beckham to Zurich for England 2018 Bid

CRAWLEY, England, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- David Beckham joined hundreds of football fans in adding his signature to the official British Airways aircraft, carrying England's hopes to Zurich.

Beckham is one of several high profile delegates flying to Zurich to represent England ahead of FIFA's announcement on December 2 at 15:00 (GMT).

Speaking at Heathrow's Terminal 5 today, David said: "I'm extremely proud to be flying to Zurich to represent the England 2018 Bid, and to be travelling with the hopes of the nation on this official aircraft. I hope that the next time I'm on British soil, I'll be with the winning England 2018 Bid team."

His signature will appear alongside hundreds of names gathered from British Airways customers, employees and those from the world of football, including; Rio Ferdinand, Fabio Capello, Bobby Zamora, Daniel Sturridge, Ray Clemence, Trevor Brooking, Gary Lineker, Stuart Pearce and Andy Anson.

Hundreds of names were collected on an electronic board in Terminal 5 during 'Back the Bid' week in August.

British Airways, chief executive Willie Walsh, said: "We have backed the bid every step of the way. Other than the Olympics, hosting a World Cup is the biggest sporting event that could come to England. We wish the Bid team every success in Zurich."

British Airways launched its partnership with England 2018 Bid on St George's Day with Gary Lineker. Since then the airline has flown the Bid team around the world to lobby for the right to stage the tournament in England.

As the countdown gets closer, the airline will host a giant screening area at its head office, to allow employees to watch the bid result live on 2 December.

The airline is working closely with BAA, the owners of Heathrow Airport - international gateway and official supporter of the Bid, to give the team the best possible send off.

British Airways is proud to be the official airline of the England 2018 Bid. BA also flew the Bid team and the Bid Book to Zurich in May, to present to FIFA. Signatures were collected on an electronic board in British Airways' lounge in Terminal 5, and then transposed on to the British Airways Airbus, registration 'G-EUOI'.

Images are available to download at www.actionimages.com.

About British Airways:

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SOURCE British Airways