BA Introduces First Ever London City Longhaul Flight

Released on: July 24, 2009, 6:40 am
Author: British Airways
Industry: Travel

British Airways will launch the first ever longhaul Club World service from London City airport this September.

British Airways has taken the decision to press ahead with the launch of the twice-daily Club World service flights from London City to New York JFK service. The first flights are set for September 29th with tickets already on sale.

The business class-only flights will be given the airline's most prestigious flight number, BA001, previously used by Concorde until its retirement in 2003.

Fitted with just 32 seats, which convert to fully flat beds, the aircraft will fly across the Atlantic after a brief refuelling stop at Shannon in the west of Ireland, where customers will be able to clear US Customs and Immigration.

Return flights from New York will be non-stop, as the aircraft can use JFK's full-length runways and take off with sufficient fuel for the whole transatlantic crossing.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive said: "In the harshest trading environment airlines have experienced, we believe it is more important than ever to embrace the future and innovate. That is what this historic new route is all about.

"There is real enthusiasm from our customers for this project. This is BA at its best - stylish, British and ahead of the game. Reviving the BA001 flight number for the first longhaul route out of London City could not be more appropriate.

"Every aspect of this service has been designed to maximise convenience for customers to fly between the world's two biggest business centres - Wall Street and London's extended financial district in the City and Docklands.

"The UK's first web access on transatlantic flights means that customers can work and keep in touch with the office between London and New York via the email and texts. Above all the exclusive service style will bring the feel of a private jet to a business class cabin."

Customers wishing to stay can also choose from a range of luxury hotels in new york available through the airline. These include big name chains and famous landmark hotels like The London in New York which provides some of the most spacious accommodation in Manhattan as well as culinary experiences from Britain's very own Gordon Ramsay.

Key benefits include:
- Check in just 15 minutes before departure
- Dedicated departure gate with 'lounge' facilities
- Customs and Immigration clearance at Shannon, Ireland saving valuable time on arrival at JFK airport

Ends

Notes to editors:
The new service launches with a daily return service except Saturday when London City airport is closed, increasing to two a day from mid-October.

BA001 departs LCY at 12.40 and arrives JFK at 1705. BA002 departs JFK at 1830 and arrives at LCY at 0705 the following day.

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