Golfing Star Justin Rose Tees off on a British Airways 747 after the European team’s victory

Former US Open Champion was joined by British sporting stars and celebrities Gary Lineker, Jamie Redknapp, Ian Wright and Jodie Kidd, to raise funds for the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation

September 30, 2014: Following his pivotal role in the European Team’s win at Gleneagles this weekend, the former US Open champion Justin Rose continued to soar high by demonstrating his shot making skill from the wing of a British Airways Boeing 747.

Celebrating the partnership between British Airways and the 34-year-old Englishman, the airline helped to raise funds and awareness for the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation, which was set up by the golfing star and his wife to inspire children through nutrition, education, and experiences.

Rose was joined by former England football captain and BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright and fashion icon, Jodie Kidd at the airline’s engineering hangar in London.

Standing on the wing of a British Airways 747, which has a wingspan of 64m and average height of 6.1m above the ground, Rose hit a succession of balls at a target 180 yards away to secure flights for the charity.

Gary Lineker, Jamie Redknapp, Ian Wright and Jodie Kidd, who are all keen golfers, took turns practicing their swing before trying to emulate Rose’s success aiming at the 160 yard target.

Representing Europe in his third Ryder Cup but his first on home soil, Justin’s emotions were still running high after the team’s second successive victory in the biennial tournament. “The team played outstanding this weekend and it’s a fantastic feeling to come out of the Ryder Cup as the winning team again, To carry that adrenaline with me on to the wing of the British Airways 747 before flying the aircraft back across the Atlantic was a special thrill,” said Rose. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and I am grateful to British Airways for donating flights towards the Kate and Justin Rose Foundation – it will make a huge difference to our campaign.”

Frank van der Post, British Airways managing director of brands and customer experience, said: “We are delighted to work with Justin once again as he is one of British sports’ most iconic characters. We were pleased to also provide flights to the Justin and Kate Rose Foundation and support the great work they do.”

Rose, who became the first English player in 17 years to win a major when he lifted the US Open title last year, will head to Dubai in November to compete in the European Tour’s finale of the Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour Championship, held at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in the United Arab Emirates.

Notes to editors:

About British Airways:

• British Airways flies to 179 destinations, 9 destinations in the UK, 84 in Europe and 86 in the rest of the world.
• The airline is one of the world's largest international airlines carrying approximately 40 million passengers around the world every year.
• The airline offers a choice of four cabins on the majority of its long-haul services.
• The airline is investing in new aircraft, new cabins, new technology and new routes.
• British Airways operates the majority of flights from Terminal 5, its home at London Heathrow. This terminal is capable of handling 30 million customers a year and is the size of 50 football pitches.
• British Airways is half way through a more than £5bn investment in new aircraft, smarter cabins, elegant lounges and new technologies to make life more comfortable in the air and on the ground.
• British Airway’s home Terminal 5 has been recognised as the world’s best terminal for the third consecutive year in the Skytrax awards.

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