BA gives more OpenSkies details
British Airways is to operate a three-class service on its new OpenSkies transatlantic offshoot between the Continent and the US.
The carrier will run Boeing 757s in an 82-seat configuration split into three classes.
‘Biz’ class will have 24 seats that convert into six foot flat beds, ‘Prem+’ class will have 28 premium seats with a 52-inch seat pitch – claimed to offer more legroom than rival premium economy services – and economy will have 30 leather seats.
Personal entertainment units will feature more than 50 hours of programmes.
Flights between Paris and New York are subject to regulatory approval and the resolution of a dispute with pilots over the employment terms offered by the start-up.
No date for the first service this summer has yet been given, although BA says it intends to add a second 757 “later in 2008”.
OpenSkies will have a fleet of six aircraft by the end of 2009. Fares have yet to be announced.
The carrier’s managing director Dale Moss said: “OpenSkies combines the proven track expertise of one of the world’s biggest airlines with the passion and commitment of a start-up.
“We’re out to do things differently and have total focus on creating the best customer experience on our routes.
“We want to deliver an unforgettable premium flying experience and an atmosphere focussed on personalisation and comfort.”
One relief, critics will say, is that the new airline will not have to operate from Heathrow Terminal 5.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season