BA Means Business from London City Airport to JFK

The new British Airways all-Business Class Club World flights from London City Airport (LCA) to New York JFK took off today, September 29, 2009. 

BA’s chief executive, Willy Walsh, has defied the naysayers by going ahead with the new service despite the recent demise of the likes of all-business-class airlines MaxJet, Eos and Silverjet.

The Airbus A318 was chosen as it is the only aircraft which fits the bill in that it is the largest aircraft able to use London City due to the short runway.  Because of the steep climb rate required to take-off from LCA, and weight restrictions, the plane will be light on fuel for take-off but make a 45-minute refuelling stop at Shannon, Ireland on the outward journey.  This also has the advantage of allowing passengers to clear U.S. Customs and Immigration at Shannon and avoid the queues at JFK.

A maximum of 32 passengers fly in comfort with just eight rows of flatbed seats, four across, in the custom-designed interior of the A318, and the attention of three flight attendants. The service will operate twice daily flights each weekday.

Advantages include check-in at LCA up to 15 minutes before departure for passengers with hand-luggage only, and 20 minutes for those with check-in luggage. Productivity can continue onboard with internet access and OnAir service for mobile phones for sending emails and texts.  Despite the hefty price tag for these flights they do not include the internet services.  Passengers are advised to check that their network provider has an agreement to use OnAir and the associated charges for using the service

The flight number for this new service ‘BA001′ has special significance as it was the number used by British Airways’ Concorde before it was taken out of service.  For more information visit the BA website.