SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways is launching new flights between San Diego and London Heathrow on June 1, 2011. The daily non stop flights open up more convenient options for travellers between the US and the UK and beyond, adding San Diego as British Airways' latest US holiday hotspot.
As the only airline flying directly from San Diego to Europe, the new route offers greater access for Southern Californians conducting international business, as well as serving as a popular leisure destination for European holidaymakers.
Simon Talling-Smith, British Airways' executive vice president Americas, said: "We are delighted to link these two great cities together with our renowned brand of British Airways service. London and San Diego are important destinations for business and leisure travel so it is really great news that our joint-business with American Airlines and Iberia has allowed us to launch this important route which links San Diego directly to Europe."
Mayor Jerry Sanders, City of San Diego said: "The start of this service marks a new, streamlined way for the citizens of San Diego to reach the great city of London and further European points beyond. We're grateful for this direct link and for the many economic benefits it will bring to our region."
The new daily service, BA 272, departs San Diego at 8:05 p.m. and arrives at London Heathrow Terminal 5 at 2:25 p.m. the next afternoon. The return flight, BA 273, departs Heathrow at 3:05 p.m. local time and arrives in San Diego at 6:15 p.m. The flights are operated by a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft offering 48 Club World seats, 24 World Traveller Plus seats and 203 World Traveller seats for a total capacity of 275 passengers.
Robert H. Gleason, Chair, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority added: "Enhancing international air service at San Diego International Airport is a top commitment for the Airport Authority, and we're pleased to see this new nonstop flight to London. The greatest result will be the economic benefit for the region from international visitors who tend to spend more and stay longer."
Derek DeCross, American's Vice President – Sales said: "American Airlines congratulates fellow oneworld® Alliance member British Airways on bringing nonstop trans-Atlantic service from San Diego to London. As a joint business route, San Diego customers will also be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and fly from San Diego to London and continental Europe more easily. Our joint business has enabled us to bring more choices and greater convenience to Southern California travellers through a series of recent moves – American's launch of 10 new routes out of Los Angeles, Iberia's new Los Angeles to Madrid route, and now British Airways route from San Diego to London. This growth complements existing routes and strengthens oneworld's leadership position in Southern California."
Whether someone is a first time visitor or a seasoned traveller, visiting Britain can be inspiring. Courtesy of VisitBritain, the list of must-see attractions to experience the next time you are across the Atlantic include:
- London Eye—An iconic landmark and symbol of modern Britain, passengers can see up to 40 kilometres of London in all directions.
- Tate Modern—The world's most visited modern gallery houses the work of great artists including Picasso, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Matisse and much more.
- London's Shopping Districts—With more than 30,000 shops to choose from, you won't be disappointed. Oxford Street is Europe's biggest shopping area, Bond Street is the Rodeo Drive of London and the street markets of Camden, Portobello Road and Brick Lane are perfect for vintage hunters.
- West End—Enjoy a night out at one of the many bars, restaurants, clubs and theatres in London's famous West End.
- East London—Discover another side of London. This vibrant area will be home to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games next year and covers a vast area including a few World Heritage sites, the O2 arena, Canary Wharf and two London icons – the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
- Buckingham Palace—Stroll through one of the nineteen state rooms of the palace that are open for public viewing each summer. Visitors to the palace should be sure to keep their eyes peeled; Her Majesty has been spotted walking the gardens with her Corgi dogs and is known to enjoy a peek at visitors admiring her home.
- Madame Tussauds—A top London visitor attraction and just a stone's throw away from Regent's Park and the bright lights of the West End. Her Majesty can be spotted there or at least a waxwork version of her.
Further information on air fares and British Airways Holiday is available from local travel agents, by calling British Airways toll-free at 1-800-AIRWAYS or by visiting www.ba.com.
The British Airways logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1862