BA - The Club - The golden era of route maps: BEA and BOAC

BOAC goes east

While airlines often made maps showcasing their entire network, they also produced more specific maps, such as this one from the mid-1950s. Number three out of eight, it reveals routes between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Karachi in Pakistan. When unfolded, the map extends to more than a metre in length. It doubles up as a history lesson, tourist guide and notepad on which travellers could scribble. All these elements were thoughtfully presented alongside detailed topographical information, with small black and white photographs highlighting cultural attractions. The cover’s blue and gold colour scheme aligned with the airline’s livery of that period. As an avid collector, there’s such satisfaction in slowly but surely finding all eight, completing the network as it was at that time.

BEA spreads it wings

A stark green cover conceals a glorious globe-shaped British European Airways (BEA) European route map from the 1970s within. Graphically and cartographically sharp, the actual network occupies a small portion, outlining its position in the world. Once again, it forgoes displaying every single route in BEA’s network at the time, but instead highlights the breadth and scope of its operation within a certain continent, and its connections with partner airlines. A modern-day version would perhaps tell the story of oneworld® connections in Europe. This map proclaims: ‘Look at us, look at where we fly. You should fly with us.’ At the end of the day, though, I just love those big red arrows.

BOAC around the world

There is something naturally indulgent about hand fans: they are predominantly ornamental, featuring intricate origami designs with a built-in surprise upon unfolding. Their expansive space also makes them ideal for maps, an idea adopted by airlines such as Air India, East African Airways and, yes, BOAC. This classic example from the 1960s displays a simplified version of – what was then referred to as – the airline’s Speedbird route network, making it a perfect token for an airline aiming to pamper its premium passengers. The small illustrations of Mount Fuji, New York City, a warrior in Africa, Tower Bridge and an elephant near India are by KM Adelman. The other side of the fan features just the BOAC Speedbird logo, nothing else. So simple, so glorious.

BOAC and BEA: combined

BEA and BOAC, both funded by the British government, were encouraged to collaborate for cost-saving and cooperative benefits. This advertisement from the early 1960s exemplifies such an effort. It promotes BOAC services from New York and Montreal to London, where passengers could then transfer to BEA for a variety of European destinations. The advert is beautifully illustrated by Ivor Adelman, featuring delicate renditions of European cities and individual mini route maps embedded within the design. It’s possibly my favourite of all of BEA’s and BOAC’s many maps. There’s just something about this combination of elements that comes together here so perfectly.

BOAC in the Middle East

This small yellow map (date unknown) outlines the airline’s routes to the Middle East and is meant to look like a map that has just been rolled out. When I first spotted it at the British Airways Heritage Centre inside British Airways’ HQ, I couldn’t help but think it looked more like an ultrasound scan, with the blurry depictions of Europe, Africa and the Middle East adding to the impression. And while ultrasounds provide images of what’s happening on the inside of our body, this acts as the opposite, providing a satellite view of connections between distant countries. Maybe not entirely what the designer intended.