Heathrow enhances the business travel experience this Christmas with Ellie Kildunne as its inaugural ‘Voice of Britain

21 Nov

Heathrow has named England rugby star Ellie Kildunne as its first-ever ‘Voice of Britain’, with her festive messages set to be played across all terminals throughout December.

This announcement will be of particular interest to UK-based business travellers flying through Heathrow during the busy Christmas period, as the airport prepares for record passenger numbers and enhances the travel experience with a unique seasonal touch.

Fresh from an exceptional year in which she helped the Red Roses secure World Cup victory, Team GB athlete Ellie Kildunne will take over Heathrow’s public address system to share daily Christmas messages with more than 200,000 passengers. She becomes the inaugural holder of Heathrow’s new ‘Voice of Britain’ title – an annual tradition designed to celebrate individuals who have made a noteworthy contribution to British culture, spanning sport, the arts, public service and social impact.

Every traveller passing through Heathrow’s four terminals in December will hear Ellie’s specially-written messages. These include personal reflections on travel, family and the festive season, offering moments of warmth amid the airport’s busiest Christmas on record.

Ellie Kildunne, rugby player and Heathrow’s Voice of Britain, commented:

“Christmas is a time for celebration and for me, I’m looking forward to marking what a big year it’s been! I’m honoured to be involved in the festivities at Heathrow this year – whether that be passengers reconnecting with loved ones or stepping onto their holiday flight, I’ll be on the speakers bringing the Christmas cheer for all.”

Her self-penned message to passengers includes:

“Hi everyone, Ellie Kildunne here - proud Red Rose and traveller at heart! The world feels a little brighter at Christmas, and wherever rugby or life takes me, I always look forward to coming home. Christmas, for me, is about family - reconnecting, recharging and remembering what really matters. This Christmas I’ll be spending mine with my Mum, Dad and brother. Whether you’re flying home or setting off somewhere new, I want to wish you a merry, magical Christmas and smooth travels at Heathrow.”

Heathrow anticipates more than seven million travellers will pass through the airport this December, with 160,000 passengers expected on Christmas Day alone. Popular destinations this festive season include New York, New Delhi, Doha, Dublin and Dubai, alongside winter favourites such as Copenhagen, Salzburg and Munich. Heathrow’s public address announcements, already among the most widely broadcast public messages in the world, will therefore carry Ellie’s words to a global audience throughout the month.

Daniel Edwards, Director of Services at Heathrow, comments:

“Christmas is a truly special time at Heathrow, as thousands of passengers reunite with loved ones and begin their festive journeys. By partnering with Ellie as our first-ever Voice of Britain, we’re adding a unique seasonal touch to the airport experience, that we hope will spark some joy and get travellers into the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrive at Heathrow.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, said:

“Initiatives like this help make business travel through Heathrow even more seamless and enjoyable at what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year. Many of our customers pass through the airport in December, so small enhancements – like friendly, festive messages from a prominent British sporting figure – can make journeys feel a little smoother and more personal.”

Heathrow’s ‘Voice of Britain’ initiative celebrates prominent individuals who have helped shape modern British culture. As the UK’s largest airport, the hub connects passengers to 230 destinations across 85 countries and welcomes more than 200,000 travellers daily, supported by over 80,000 colleagues working across its operation.

Ellie Kildunne’s story – from debuting for England at just 18 to becoming one of the most recognisable names in women’s rugby – reinforces her position as an inspiring ambassador for British sport and an apt choice for this inaugural role.

Please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager if you would like any information about flights from or to Heathrow over the Christmas period.