NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways is to launch double daily direct business class-only flights from New York to London City airport next year.
The new flights will operate on Airbus A318 aircraft with 32 seats onboard.
Robin Hayes, British Airways' Executive Vice President Americas, said: "This niche service will fly passengers between the heart of the two largest financial centers in the world. London City airport is located minutes away from some of our key corporate customers and is in one of the fastest growing areas of the British capital.
"We will offer a 15 minute check-in for customers in both New York and London. London City's size means that it is a quick and easy airport to use and, with a maximum of 32 passengers onboard, getting on and off the aircraft will be a smooth process. Once onboard, customers will experience all the benefits of our business class cabin including a fully flat bed.
"The New York - London route is a key market for us and these flights will be in addition to our current 11 daily flights between New York and Heathrow from where we fly eight times a day from JFK and three times a day from Newark. As well as the business market, we are confident that there also will be a demand from premium leisure customers for this service.
"The New York - London City service also will underpin British Airways' commitment and further investment to deliver an upgraded travel experience as well as widen our premium product line.
"The A318 is the perfect aircraft for these flights. It is capable of operating at London City and is large enough for us to provide the number of business class seats required to make this a viable operation."
The airline has ordered two A318 aircraft to operate these flights. They will be the first A318s in the British Airways fleet though the airline already operates 69 Airbus A320 family shorthaul aircraft.
NOTES TO EDITORS
London City Airport is located six miles from the City of London and is Britain's leading business airport.
The airport is located three miles from Canary Wharf and two miles from the site of the 2012 Olympic games.
The New York - London City flights will be operated by British Airways' mainline operation. British Airways' subsidiary airline BA CityFlyer operates flights from London City airport to domestic and European destinations.