British Airways to launch transatlantic business service

Source: Supply Chain Digital

Date :01/02/2008 12:30:59

After a strong profit increase, BA has announced plans to launch its first transatlantic all-business class service between London and New York.

The niche service will be the first time that long-haul services have ever been operated from London City, which is located close to the financial districts of the City of London and Canary Wharf.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "London City's size means that it is a quick and easy airport to use.”

Business-only travel

With the new twice a day service, BA will enter the growing market for business-class-only travel, pitting it against rivals such as Eos Airlines (at Stansted) and Silverjet (at Luton).

Flying from London City airport, the business-only service will use Airbus A318 jets, the smallest aircraft made by Airbus, with just 32 seats onboard -that convert into fully flat beds - making getting on and off a “smooth process."

Economy travel

The airline made the announcement as profits increased 35 percent for the nine months to December, at £788 million.

BA said there had been a drop-off in economy travel bookings in January compared to 2006 but the premium long-haul market remained strong.

February 01, 2008