British Airways has launched its first ever ‘Flying with Confidence’ course at London City Airport, as part of its centenary celebrations coming up in August.
The course, which has run for three decades, has helped more than 50,000 people overcome their fear of flying. It is run by British Airways Captain Steve Allright and a specialist team who will explain the technical side of flying, challenging regular areas of concern such as turbulence. The centenary celebrations include initiatives that are designed to look ahead to the next 100 years of aviation. There will also be advice from a clinical psychologist on relaxation techniques and managing anxiety, and the day will finish with a flight on a modern Embraer 170 jet.
Captain Allright believes the course will help more people than ever take to the skies in the future. ‘We love flying and want everyone to share that feeling of limitless opportunity and adventure that only air travel can really deliver. British Airways is the largest airline at London City Airport so we want to give nervous customers the chance to spread their wings and enjoy exploring all the new destinations we have to offer, most recently Split in Croatia,’ he said.
‘We’ve had so many incredibly heart-warming stories during the 33 years of the course, but what they all have in common is that we’re helping to connect people, and that definitely makes it all worthwhile,’ Allright added.
The one-day ‘Flying with Confidence’ course will start with presentations by British Airways pilots and a psychologist, at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, New Providence Wharf. It will conclude with a 45-minute flight on a British Airways aircraft with participants guided by the airline’s flight crew and supported by experienced cabin crew.
