NEW YORK, June 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- British Airways today took delivery of its first Boeing 787 aircraft, flying from Seattle into the airline's home: London Heathrow. British Airways also announced that tickets for the new 787s are now on sale for customers traveling from Toronto, Canada beginning September 1 and for customers traveling from Newark, New Jersey on October 1, 2013, subject to regulatory approval.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=19606
To celebrate, the airline is launching special fares from both cities to London Heathrow. For travel from Toronto and New York (JFK or Newark), the fares begin at $787 roundtrip in World Traveller (economy). World Traveller Plus, the airline's premium economy, fares begin from $1290 roundtrip and, continuing the celebrations, Club World business class fares start from $2787 roundtrip. All fares include taxes, fees and carrier charges.
The new 787 routes were announced in association with brand ambassador and star of stage and screen, Kim Cattrall. Kim, who born in England and raised in Canada said: "I fly regularly between the UK, Canada and the USA with British Airways and I love their service. I need to be ready to work when I land, so to know that I can fly on their 787s and arrive feeling really rested and refreshed is a definite bonus for me."
New British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliners: Benefits for Customers
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Low levels of cabin noise resulting in increased rest for customers.
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A higher humidity level in the cabins reduces the 'drying effect' so customers arrive feeling refreshed. This is the result of a difference in pressurization where cabin altitude is the equivalent of 6,000ft; 2,000ft lower than on other aircraft.
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The aircraft's smooth ride technology provides extra comfort during any turbulence.
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The bespoke lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them in the morning.
- Customers can also enjoy much larger windows, offering views of the horizon from every seat.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said: "The 787 is a tremendous, innovative aircraft which sets new standards for environmental performance and operating efficiency and I'm sure British Airways customers will love it.
"The 787 will become a mainstay of the British Airways fleet over the next few years. This is the first of 24 that will arrive by 2017, and we have announced plans to convert further options for the aircraft into firm orders for delivery from 2017, including for the new larger 787-10 version."
Mitch Preston is British Airways' first 787 pilot to fly the aircraft from Boeing's Seattle home to London. Preston said: "It was a real pleasure to fly the 787 home to Heathrow today – it's a joy to operate, and a really smooth ride.
"It's exceptionally quiet and the cabin environment, combined with the service customers would expect from British Airways, will make for a great experience. I for one can't wait to welcome our customers on board."
British Airways Fleet Investment
British Airways has ordered 24 787s, which will arrive over the next four years. The airline has also ordered 12 A380s and six additional B777-300ERs. Over the next 12 months, it will take delivery of a new aircraft at the rate of one a fortnight.
The aircraft orders form the centrepiece of British Airways' £5bn investment in improved customer experience in the air and on the ground. The airline is the first in Europe to operate both the B787 and the A380.
Notes to editors:
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Kim Cattrall starred in the TV and film versions of 'Sex and the City' and is currently appearing in 'Sweet Bird of Youth' at London's Old Vic theatre.
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The images attached are ONLY for use in direct relation to this British Airways press release. Any other usage is permitted solely with written permission from British Airways.
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British Airways is offering flights from Toronto and Newark on the 787 from $787 return for a World Traveller (economy) seat. The airline is also offering flights from Toronto and Newark in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) for $1290 roundtrip and in Club World (business class) on the 787 from $2787 roundtrip. Travel dates are between October 25, 2013 and December 15, 2013, and December 25, 2013 and March 24, 2014. The offer is valid for sale until July 1, 2013.
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All prices are subject to availability. Further details can be found on ba.com
- Boeing conducted a number of tests with universities around the world to determine how to develop the most comfortable flying experience. They discovered that a 6,000ft cabin altitude, which can be achieved as the composite fuselage can be pressurized more than other aircraft, rather than the normal 7,000-8,000ft cabin altitude, combined with specialist HEPA filters and increasing cabin humidity can result in customers feeling less fatigued and more refreshed.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
