British Airways Increases Flights to Cancun Shortly After New Route Launched

CRAWLEY, England, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- British Airways recently announced that it is to increase the number of scheduled flights it operates to Cancun in Mexico to three a week following its popularity with customers.

Shortly after the inaugural British Airways flight to Cancun touched down in Mexico's most important tourist destination, chief finance officer Keith Williams told guests at a gala dinner to mark the occasion that customer demand had led the airline to increase flight frequency from twice to three-times a week starting from March 2011.

The inaugural flight to the Mexican resort departed on November 03, operated by a Boeing 777, offering a choice of three cabins including BA's Club World business class with fully flat beds. The plane was welcomed on arrival by the fire service performing a water-cannon salute, after having being sent off from London Gatwick by a Mariachi band.

At a gala dinner at the Banyan Tree hotel, Williams addressed guests, including Mexico's minister of tourism, British Ambassador Judith Macgregor, her Mexican counterpart Eduardo Medina Mora along with the local dignitaries and the media. Williams explained that the decision to start the flights to Cancun was because of the choice the destination offers, not just in terms of the hotels, but the country's heritage along the Yucatan Pensinsula. "We know that choice is hugely important to our customers," he said "And that is why we are so pleased to offer Cancun -- it has so much."

Prior to the launch of the new route, Richard Tams, head of BA UK & Ireland sales and marketing, said: "We're delighted to be the only UK scheduled airline offering direct flights to Cancun. With sweeping beaches, innovative parks, relaxing spas, sports on land and sea, fabulous hotels and unique opportunities to explore the ancient Mayan culture, the Yucatan peninsula truly offers something for everyone."

British Airways is offering a wide variety of hotels in Cancun to suit all tastes and budgets. Customers can experience luxury at the 5 star Banyan Tree Mayakoba, which blends modern Asian and Mexican design set in the Mexican Caribbean in the exclusive area of the Riviera Maya. Travellers can also stay at the 4.5 star Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa, serenely placed on a secluded beach. The comfortable and affordable oceanfront 3 star Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas, located five minutes from downtown Cancun, is the ideal resort for holidays in Cancun for couples and families.

The resort is currently hosting the 12-day UN climate conference this month, November 29 to December 10.

Flights and holidays to Cancun are available on ba.com/cancun.

British Airways flies to domestic, European and longhaul destinations from Gatwick.

About British Airways:

British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations -- including Caribbean holidays, hotels, flights, car rental 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