New York, Oct. 18 -- British Airways will launch a twice a week summer service between Charleston and London Heathrow, offering the first transatlantic route for Charleston International Airport.
Beginning April 4, 2019, customers will be able to fly to London on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The flights will run on Thursdays and Sundays with BA221 departing from London Heathrow at 5:20 p.m. and arriving into Charleston at 9:20 p.m. that evening. The return flight BA220 will depart Charleston at 10:50 p.m. and arrive into London Heathrow at 11:50 a.m. the next morning.
Simon Brooks, British Airways’ senior vice president for North America, said “I am really delighted that British Airways will be offering this special summer service between Charleston and London. Both cities have rich histories and great culture and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard soon.
“We have an extensive global network, from UK cities, to Europe to Africa and Asia, so I’m pleased that British Airways can open this service up to the Charleston community,” Brooks said.
Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, said "It is a privilege to establish this direct route between two cities that share a reverence for history, display unique charm and embrace promising futures. We are committed to ensuring this partnership is an unrivaled success and look forward to welcoming new business and leisure travelers to our region and state."
British Airways’ state-of-the-at Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft accommodates 214 customers across three cabins, with 154 seats in World Traveller (economy), 25 seats in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and 35 seats in Club World (business). Designed to enhance customer well being, the new fuel-efficient aircraft operates with a lower pressurization, reducing the effects of jet lag for customers.
Customers on British Airways services enjoy benefits such as free baggage allowance, seat allocation and on its longhaul services, complimentary meals and bar service while watching on-demand movies on their personal TV screens. The airline also provides a “Feed Kids First” service which ensures that children are served first, allowing parents to enjoy their own meal.
Boeing has a factory in Charleston where they are currently building the 787-10 Dreamliner. British Airways will take delivery of 12 new Boeing 787-10s between 2020 and 2023.
Flights will operate from April 4 until Oct. 24, 2019 and will go on sale on Friday, Oct. 19.
A joint business agreement between American, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair allows members of the AAdvantage, Executive Club and Plus programs to earn and redeem points or miles on codeshare flights across the airlines. Customers also get access to great prices across all four airlines with the ability to mix and match flights to get the best deals and enjoy smoother connections for onward flights through coordinated schedules.
British Airways Vacations offers a range of flight+hotel and flight+car packages, as well as sightseeing tours, city passes, theatre tickets, around the world to suit all budgets.
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