British Airways has confirmed its intention to continue with initial plans to launch the new London City to New York flights later this year despite the global recession affecting the aviation industry.

The route is due to commence with its first business class-only service on the 29th September and will be the first long haul route from London City airport. BA intends to offer flights twice a day on the Airbus 318, which will be complete with 32 convertible seats that can lie fully flat to function as beds.

From London City airport, the Airbus 318 will refuel at the Ireland airport in Shannon. Whilst refuelling, passengers will be able to clear US customs checks so they can pass through New York’s JFK airport faster upon arrival.

Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of British Airways, said:

“In the harshest trading environment airlines have experienced, we believe it is more important than ever to embrace the future and innovate. That is what this historic new route is all about. There is real enthusiasm from our customers for this project. This is BA at its best - stylish, British and ahead of the game.”

Certainly the enthusiasm for city breaks and holiday deals to both New York and Las Vegas has returned following the movement of the pound versus the dollar recently;
BA is also intending to fly new services from Heathrow to Las Vegas later this year, which will be welcome news to those seeking city breaks in Las Vegas.