Gusbourne launches exclusive British Airways sparkling wine
Gusbourne has created a bespoke English sparkling wine for British Airways Club World, as the Kent producer continues to expand its international footprint across more than 40 export markets.
Gusbourne has launched a new English sparkling wine created exclusively for British Airways Club World, marking another step in the Kent producer’s international expansion.
From July 2026, Gusbourne Airbourne Reserve 2021 will be served in British Airways Club World cabins. The estate said the listing comes as it now exports to more than 40 markets worldwide and continues to build its presence as an ambassador for English sparkling wine.
The producer described Airbourne Reserve as a “genuinely limited expression” of the estate, created specifically for British Airways.
Created for service at altitude
Gusbourne wines have been listed onboard British Airways since 2025. Passengers travelling in First currently receive Fifty One Degrees North 2016, while Club World has served Sparkling Rosé 2019.
Airbourne Reserve 2021 is a Pinot Noir-dominant sparkling wine produced specifically for the airline. According to Gusbourne, the wine is richer, rounder and more textural than many English sparkling wines. It was selected for the British Airways listing by Tim Jackson MW, who chose it for its performance at altitude.
The bottle design also references British aviation heritage. Gusbourne said the label features Airforce Blue, a herringbone deboss inspired by the twill of original Royal Air Force uniforms and the RAF roundel.
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Export growth
The British Airways listing forms part of Gusbourne’s wider international strategy. The estate said it now exports to more than 40 countries and is continuing to expand through travel retail, helping introduce English sparkling wine to consumers in overseas markets.
Leading the producer’s international expansion is Duncan Brown, Head of Exports and Travel Retail. Brown also sits on the Wine GB Export Council, where he helps shape export strategy for the wider English wine sector.
“For us, every bottle that leaves these shores is an opportunity to represent not just Gusbourne, but English sparkling wine as a category. When Airbourne is poured in Club World on a British Airways flight, passengers are experiencing what this country is capable of producing. That is a responsibility we take seriously – and an opportunity we intend to build on,” said Brown.
Norway remains key export market
Gusbourne also highlighted Norway as its largest export success story.
The producer said it had no presence in the country nine years ago. Today, Norway accounts for around 40% of Gusbourne’s export volume, while more than half of all English sparkling wine exported internationally goes to Norway.
According to the estate, the market has evolved from having little awareness of English sparkling wine to becoming one where the category is now an established choice.
The producer also pointed to a series of recent accolades, including becoming the first English producer to win the Chairman’s Trophy at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, receiving six CSWWC Gold Medals and three CSWWC Best in Class trophies, winning Walpole Luxury Brand of the Year, seeing Fifty One Degrees North 2016 named No.2 in Wine Enthusiast‘s Top 100 Best Wines of 2025 and awarded 98 points by the publication, and receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of sustained export growth.
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