Despite just starting a new job, when you get an invite to go pick up a brand new Boeing 777 and bring it back to the UK, you move mountains to get the time off. I certainly wasn't going to say no, so after pleas to the new boss I was back in touch with the kind folks at BA to confirm I would definitely like a place!

Sunday 19th February came round and I set off for Heathrow, parking in one of the off-airport places and making my way to T5. I dropped my bag off, headed through security, and then to the Galleries section. Yes, the first perk of the trip was access to the exclusive Concorde Room with its plush decor, balcony overlooking the parked aircraft, and as much complimentary food and drink as you can handle. Once there I met Luke Goggin, who was looking after us on our trip, and the other eight invitees as they trickled in. Most of the group were loyalty customers who have put a lot of business through British Airways over the years, then there was the owner of the Golf Alpha Whisky blog, and a Swedish frequent flier blogger. Andy Lord (BA Operations Director) and our pilot for the return journey also joined us.

After a spot of lunch and some Champaigne to celebrate the trip, we headed to gate B39. It was my first trip through Terminal 5 and I have to say it is a much calmer environment than the other Heathrow terminals.

Our trip to Seattle was on B747-436 G-CIVS. We had all been assigned Club World seats (the things you have to do!). The IFE on my original seat wasn't working, so I was given a middle seat but, as no one was next to me, it worked out as two middle seats in my own private little compartment. I was actually facing backwards, and with no direct view of a window, so it was a strange experience on takeoff and landing when you have no outside reference of where you are.

The flight took 9hrs 35 minutes. We had a pre-departure glass of wine and then, after takeoff, enjoyed a four course meal from the menu, and as many refills of anything you liked. I watched some of the TV shows and movies (not that impressive), stretched out on my lie-flat seat, chatted with some of the group members, and snoozed a little. I was actually feeling a bit groggy when we arrived in Seattle Tacoma, but once on my feet again managed to wake up.

Boeing laid on a bus to the swish Fairmont Olympic in downtown Seattle, and we went for a meal at a fish restaurant on Pier 66 later that night.

The next day we were up for a lavish breakfast. A few of the group went off to grab a coffee from the 'historic' first Starbucks outlet down the street (they literally have a branch in every building and street!). Then it was time to check out, store our luggage, and head on the bus to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field. This is where the 737 is made, and a few of the prototype 787 Dreamliners are also in storage.

We had nearly 3 hours at leisure in the museum, which is a very impressive place. It has large halls of WWI, WWII, Vietnam/Korea and modern military aircraft, as well as some pioneering civil aircraft, on display. Then across the street is the outdoor display area with the original Boeing 747, a Nasa 737-100, American 727-200, BA Concorde G-BOAG, former Air Force One 707, and Trans Canada Constellation. We were all highly amused to see the latest Ryanair and Thomson 737-800s circuit training at the airfield, too!

At lunchtime we were transferred up to Lynnwood, a suburb north of Seattle and fairly close to Everett. We were put up in the Marriott Residence Inn and had the afternoon at leisure. Most of us chose to catch up on e-mails and then head over to the huge shopping mall next door.

That evening we met for drinks in the hotel reception, where 30 British Airways staff had joined us (they had flown over that afternoon). These were all being recognised for achievements in their particular department of BA, from maintenance engineers to accounts guys. Then Andy Lord and our two captains took us out to a steak restaurant for a fantastic meal and all the wine/beer you could drink. It was a really nice touch.

Tuesday morning came. We checked out of the hotel at 11am and a Boeing coach came to take the (now much larger) group to Paine Field at Everett. As we arrived we caught sight of our new aircraft being towed to the delivery centre, which caused a cheer. But first things first, we had a tour of the production facility arranged.

This is the world's largest building by area. It has two-lane roads inside with full articulated lorries running down, and each pair of hangar doors are the size of an American Football field! Contrary to what we'd heard, we were allowed to take photos (British Airways paid the fee that you normally have to stump up). Our knowledgeable guide then took us down the 747-800 line, 767 line, 777 line, and then into one of the two 787 lines. The only restriction was on photographing the 787s. But at least I managed to log them all!

After the 90 minute tour, our bus took us around the airfield to the Future of Flight centre which is part museum, part Boeing shop and part delivery centre.

A lovely buffet lunch had been laid on for us, then we had an hour to wander the exhibits and the shop (full of models, t-shirts, books etc).

At 3pm Andy Lord and a Boeing executive took to the podium in front of a giant curtain and made a speech about the day, the trip for us visitors and staff, and their love of the B777 (this was their 55th delivery of the type). Then the curtain parted to much applause, revealing G-STBF behind.

We knew one of our 'VIP' group would get to cut the ribbon, and it was announced that Matthew Stibbe would do it (closest birthday being the deciding factor). It was also revealed that the aircraft was named Irene, in honour of Capt Rod Mitchell's mother, whom he had brought along on the trip. She was very touched.

We all dashed outside for the ribbon cutting, with the pilots and cabin crew (and Irene) on the steps, us VIP's either side, and Mr Stibbe in the centre to cut the ribbon.

Back inside, we then went through the security scanners with our bags, and Boeing gave us all a commemorative picture, certificate, and model aircraft.

On board, the 'new car smell' hit you straight away. The front two cabins were completely devoid of seats as First and Club World are fitted in Cardiff. It was a surreal sight! For takeoff and landing we all had to sit together at the back of the aircraft in Economy (some of the loyalty customers scoffed at this). This was to ensure the flight attendants had all passengers in one place, and because only the rear slides were armed.

It took a while to get our ATC clearance, but the taxi to the runway was short. Due to our light load and pilots enjoying the trip as much as anyone, we literally rocketed off the runway and into the cloud. Typically for Seattle, it was pouring with rain and the first 20 minutes of the flight were pretty bumpy.

After a while the flight attendants invited anyone who wanted food to find a seat in the World Traveller section. Boeing provide catering, so we were treated to king prawns, lobster claws, beef, salad, dessert. As many helpings as you wanted, and plenty of beer, wine, water, coffee and other drinks on hand. The IFE on board is the new Thales system, but it hadn't been fully loaded so it had some glitches and only a bit of content available.

In the front section of the plane, people were making use of the space by enjoying a light kick around with a soft ball. Surely the highest game of football in the world! We were also treated to a fantastic display of the Northern Lights over Canada; the captain dimmed the cabin lights and every passenger crowded the windows to get a better look.

More informal entertainment followed when Capt Rod Mitchell came back to do a quiz. The prizes were a backstage tour of Terminal 5, and a 777 simulator session alongside him. He stood at the front of World Traveller on the PA, with 20 questions on Seattle, Boeing, British Airways and our route. Great fun, but sadly I didn't win any of the prizes!

By now we were well over the Atlantic, so most people felt they should at least try to sleep a little despite all the fun. I went back to Economy and stretched out over a row of three seats. It was hard to sleep, but I managed an hour or so.

About an hour before landing the cabin crew came by with hot and cold breakfast trays, whilst the pilots updated us on progress. It was to be a windy arrival in Cardiff, and due to the length of the 777-300 and the swing required to straighten the aircraft on the crosswind landing, we were asked to cram together at the front of the Economy section. The landing itself was quite dramatic, but expertly done.

Once deplaned and through immigration inside Cardiff's terminal, we were again on a coach for the short ride to British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (or BAMC), where all B767, B777 and B747 aircraft are maintained. We were first treated to (another) hot breakfast in the canteen, and a debrief from Andy Lord who had to dash to London. Then we all got a tour of the facility, which was currently performing D-checks on 747-400's G-BNLE and G-CIVY. The tour took us inside 'LE, which was completely stripped - so much so that you could see inside the upper deck from the lower deck, and the cockpit was completely exposed to the cabin. Outside we could see G-STBF had been towed across to the facility, and rows of the premium seats were lined up ready to be fitted. She will hopefully be in service in around 12 days.

All that remained now was a coach ride back to Heathrow, drained but completely thrilled at the experience of a lifetime. My thanks goes to Luke Goggin, Andy Lord and our pilots for looking after us so well, and for the invite!