British Airways, a UK-based airline company, has announced the routes that it will operate initially using its newly arrived Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The airline is to use the new aircraft on routes to Toronto in Canada and Newark in the USA, with the Heathrow to Toronto service commencing from September 1 this year, and the Newark service commencing one month later on October 1. The two routes currently operate Boeing 747, 767 and 777 aircraft.
When BA’s first new Dreamliner touched down at Heathrow yesterday, Willie Walsh, the chief executive of the company’s owner, International Airlines Group, was there to welcome it. He commented, ‘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.’
BA’s Dreamliners will each have the capacity to carry 214 passengers across three classes of travel: Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller. The company has a further 23 of the state-of-the-art aircraft on order, with 18 more optioned and likely to be confirmed, subject to shareholder approval.
Speaking on behalf of Boeing, Todd Nelp, vice president of European sales, said, ‘The delivery of the first of BA’s 787s is an exciting milestone for Boeing and British Airways. The 787 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient commercial jetliner in its class. Its improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner cabin air will offer BA’s passengers an unparalleled flying experience.’
