British Airways business-class-only flight

Business Flights – New British Airways Service

Posted by Dave on 9/30/09 • Categorized as Airline News

British Airways launched on Tuesday a new business-class-only flight from London to New York, during the biggest airline traffic decrease in years. Willie Walsh, a chief executive of BA, positively expressed his thoughts about new induction of business-only service from London to New York on Tuesday.

The plan had to be implemented in early 2008 but because of the global economy decrease the sale of so called “premium” first and business class cabins fell down, that is why British Airways decided to give up on the idea.

In spite of the fact that BA are suffering a reduction in first class travelers the flight is departing on Tuesday. The A318 aircraft enables only 32 seats which are turned into flat beds. The service was designed to make every flight very comfortable for customers.

That is why passengers are provided with the Internet access. They can use OnAir communications technology, i.e. they are allowed to utilize mobiles and laptops in order to send and receive text messages and e-mails, also they can surf the Internet. The OnAir communications technology is provided by Mobile OnAir, a Geneva-headquartered company that was owned by Airbus and SITA.

As the company has to lessen the amount of fuel, it was decided to make a stop at Shannon airport in Ireland to refuel. Thus, passenger can go through the U.S immigration in Ireland and enter the U.S as a domestic passenger.

Mr. Walsh hopes that such type of service will help to return the first class passengers as they are considered to be more profitable. Mr. Walsh expects that the service will be in a great demand.

Lynne Embleton, British Airways general manager of network planning, added that the company is trying to provide passengers with more choice and they are planning to make business-only flights from London next year.

British Airways and Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana had the negotiations, but all the issues of the conversation are kept confidential. (via WSJ)