British Airways Celebrates Anniversary of London to New York Business Class Service

CRAWLEY, England, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- British Airways celebrates the one year anniversary of the London to New York, business class-only flights to New York.

To mark this occasion, the airline took a two-man film crew from BBC's Fast Track programme, which broadcasts on BBC World and the BBC news channel, to film the service from beginning to end. A British Airways spokesman was onboard together with a British Airways gold card holder and frequent flier, who provided interviews from the customer's perspective.

British Airways launched the first ever longhaul Club World service from London City airport in September 2009 with twice-daily business class-only flights to New York. They were 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 specifically configured Airbus A318's will fly across the Atlantic to New York's JFK airport after a brief refuelling stop at Shannon in the west of Ireland, where customers will be able to clear US Customs and Immigration. They are the only aircraft in the BA fleet equipped with OnAir allowing customers to connect to the internet during flight - and the only such service across the Atlantic.

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 at the time of launch: "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 e-mail 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 overnight in the city can choose from a wide range of hotels in New York available on ba.com. These include big name chains and famous landmark hotels like iconic Waldorf-Astoria, the Peninsula New York or Andaz Wall Street, perfectly located in the financial district on the corner of Wall and Water Streets. Close to the Hudson River, on Broadway and Canal Street, the Soho Grand offers customers an upmarket experience set in a calming ambience.

The key benefits of flights to New York from London City airport are customers can check in just 15 minutes before departure, are offered a dedicated departure gate with lounge facilities  and as Customs and Immigration are cleared at Shannon, Ireland, valuable time on arrival at JFK airport is saved.

About British Airways:

British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations - including USA holidays, hotels, flights, car hire and experiences. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

SOURCE British Airways