Child star gets to fulfil London 2012 Olympic dream
Isaac Rodrigues-Mendes from Egham in Surrey is the 10-year-old boy in the airline’s current advert, which encourages the country to get behind the British athletes. He is seen on the aircraft as it makes its way through London and is the first to walk into the Olympic Stadium.
Isaac donated his fee for the advert to the airline’s charity, which helps disadvantaged children around the world.
Abigail Comber, head of brands and marketing at British Airways, said: “When we found out Isaac had donated his fee to our charity, we wanted to give him something special to say thanks. As the official airline partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games we are lucky enough to beable to offer some customers and fans of the airline Olympic tickets and Isaac is definitely a worthy recipient. Hopefully he’ll remember the experience for life.”
Unbeknown to the casting team when Isaac arrived for his audition for British Airways’ current ‘Home Advantage’ advert, the 10 year old was already a fan of the airline as his mum worked for the company for more than a decade in the 80s and 90s.
Janice, Isaac’s mum, said: “I am so proud of Isaac being part of the ad. I loved my time at British Airways and we still always fly with them so I was delighted when Isaac was asked to go to the casting.
“He was asked to do a number of scenes on the day but we didn’t know then if he would make the final cut. We got a call before it aired for the first time to tell us we might want to keep an eye out for it.
“We were on tenterhooks and so excited when he appeared on screen. It feels so special that Isaac now features in the advert, especially as it’s for the London 2012 Games.”
Isaac said: “I am so proud to represent British Airways in the advert, especially as mum worked there and it celebrates the London 2012 Games.
"It’s a memory I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to see the closing ceremony!”
It was Isaac’s first ever audition for an advert.
Comber said: “Isaac was a natural in front of the camera as anyone watching the ad can tell. He was chosen entirely for his talent and it was lovely to find out afterwards that he already has a link to us through his mum.”
Isaac starred in the advert alongside real British Airways cabin crew and pilots.
