NEW YORK, March 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways touched down at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport this evening, marking the start of the new nonstop service between New Orleans and London. At a press conference in front of local dignitaries, business leaders, and departing customers, British Airways signaled its confidence in the service by announcing an increase from four to five days a week for the winter schedule.
Nicolas Krohne, Vice President of Sales for British Airways said: “We are honored to be able to connect New Orleans with London Heathrow and the 130 plus destinations that British Airways flies to across Europe and beyond. With a favorable exchange rate and special fares available, Britain has never been more affordable.”
Flights are available to book on ba.com and right now British Airways is offering fares for as low as $899 roundtrip in economy, including all taxes, fees, and charges. Tickets need to be booked by April 16, 2017 and seats at the promotional price are available for select dates between June 7 and September 18, 2017, as well as between October 2 and December 13, 2017.
From October 30, 2017, the service will increase from four to five times a week, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Stephen Perry, President & CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau said: “With the start of the new British Airways direct flight, we look forward to further introducing New Orleans as a world-class destination to the UK and other European markets. A flight linking London to New Orleans will allow even more international visitors to experience our vibrant neighborhoods, evolving food and art scene, admired traditions and so much more. New Orleans and Louisiana are ready to continue sharing our authentic spirit and culture with travelers from around the world.”
Onboard the Dreamliner
The aircraft is one of the newest in British Airways’ fleet. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner accommodates 214 customers across three cabins, with 154 seats in World Traveller (economy), 25 seats in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and 35 seats in Club World (business). All customers can enjoy free meals, beverages, on-demand entertainment, and a free checked bag.
The airline has teamed up with award-winning London drinking den NOLA to create a New Orleans Creole food menu which will be served to all customers on flights between the two cities for the first month of service. Executive chef Brett Milligan has collaborated with British Airways’ in-house chefs to create courses which blend authentic Deep South flavors alongside traditional cooking techniques.
Rewarding Customers
Recognizing and understanding the needs of small and medium size businesses, American Airlines’ Business Extra® program allows members traveling on British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines to collect and spend across all three airlines, with coordinated benefits that help businesses to stretch their travel budgets.
A joint business agreement between American, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair allows members of the AAdvantage, Executive Club and Plus programs to earn and redeem points or miles on codeshare flights across the airlines. Customers also get access to great prices across all four airlines with the ability to mix and match flights to get the best deals and enjoy smoother connections for onward flights.
Notes to Editor:
- A link to video footage of the aircraft arriving into MSY and a view of the cabins is available here.
- British Airways operated a special charter flight for Mardi Gras this year. A video of the flight is available here.
- British Airways operated from London Gatwick to New Orleans in the early 1980s.
- British Airways Vacations offers a range of flight+hotel and flight+car packages, as well as sightseeing tours, city passes, theatre tickets, around the world to suit all budgets.