CRAWLEY, England, Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- British Airways has announced that it is introducing First class on its popular flight to Las Vegas next summer, from June 1, 2011 and it will also be increasing capacity by 18 per cent.

The direct daily flight to Las Vegas from Terminal 5 at Heathrow was launched a year ago (October 2009) and is currently operated by a three-class Boeing 777.  A four-class B747 offering BA's First cabin will replace it.

By moving to a B747, BA will be sending an additional 124 seats on every round trip. Each flight will now have 14 seats in the First cabin.

Richard Tams, British Airways head of marketing and sales, said: "Our direct service from London Heathrow to Las Vegas has been one of our most successful launches in recent years.

"It is one of the star performing routes on the BA network and such a winner with our customers that we are increasing capacity by 18 per cent from next summer and offering that extra touch of luxury."

Las Vegas, which bills itself as 'The Entertainment Capital of the World', offers huge hotel complexes lining the world famous Las Vegas Strip. British Airways' customers can also experience a wide range of hotels in Las Vegas ranging from simple two-star accommodation up to unforgettable five-star hotels. From the ultimate luxurious Las Vegas experience at the famous Bellagio Hotel, to the non-gaming and non-smoking Vdara or the non-gaming sophistication that is the Mandarin Oriental, located at the entrance of CityCenter which also houses modern Aria Resort & Casino.

As part of a British Airways fly-drive, travellers can book car rental in Las Vegas with Avis and take a drive to the breathtaking Grand Canyon. Those who dare, can walk along the Grand Canyon Skywalk and enjoy the full panoramic view.

British Airways offers an expanding route network of US cities (which already includes major city destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando and Miami) as well as providing holiday makers with hotels, car rental and tours across America, to help ensure travellers make the most of their USA holiday.

British Airways is currently rolling out its new First cabin across the longhaul fleet, which will be completed by the beginning of 2012.

Notes to editors:

About British Airways:

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SOURCE British Airways