Welcome on board the British Airways i360

The 162-metre observation tower being constructed on Brighton beach has been named the British Airways i360.

The new Brighton beach attraction, conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, the creators of the London Eye, signed a "landmark" five-year deal with the airline, which has been heralded as a "great deal for the South East" and "flying the flag for British tourism".

Lynne Embleton, British Airways' director of strategy and managing director for Gatwick, said: 'Our pilots enjoy spectacular views of the Sussex coastline as they fly in and out of Gatwick and now Brighton visitors and residents will also be able to from this fantastic new landmark. We fly to 67 destinations across the globe from Gatwick, and employ more than 2,500 staff in Sussex, so putting our name to the i360 and helping to promote even more tourism to the area made perfect sense."

Eleanor Harris, chief executive of British Airways i360, said: 'We are delighted to have such a prestigious British and global brand sponsoring our ground breaking attraction. British Airways and the i360 share a similar market regionally in the South East and a comparable international reach. We also share a proud history of engineering and design excellence.'

Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I've always advocated private investment in the i360, so I welcome the sponsorship from British Airways who are a major employer in the city region. Their involvement will help cement Brighton and Hove's position as a major tourist destination, and fits well with our announcement two weeks ago that we as a council are backing the expansion of Gatwick with a second runway."

Geoff Raw, CEO of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: 'The i360 business plan included sponsorship income and we are pleased to see the team delivering on their projections.'

Opening next summer, British Airways i360 viewing pod will cruise up to 450 feet high where guests on board can enjoy 360 degree views of the, city, the surrounding South Downs, and Sussex coastline.

At 162 metres tall, British Airways i360 is already the tallest structure in Sussex. The attraction will include a new venue on Brighton beach, with a brasserie and an outside beach-side terrace serving food from 'Sussex's larder' with signature dishes from MasterChef: The Professionals Winner Steven Edwards.

The beach building also encompasses a range of facilities for visitors including a gift shop; an exhibition; hospitality rooms for 10 to 1,000 people; and an indoor kids play zone.