British Airways’ First 787s Open For Sale With Celebratory Fares

Star of stage and screen, Kim Cattrall, who was born in England, grew up in Canada and lives in the US, today began the countdown for customers to book flights on British Airways’ first Boeing 787, which arrived at its new Heathrow home today.

The airline is planning to serve Toronto with the 787 from September 1 and Newark, New York from October 1, subject to regulatory approval.

Flights are now on sale and to celebrate the airline is launching with a fare of £787 return in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) to both cities. Customers can also upgrade to Club World for an additional £787 return (total of £1,574 return per person).

Customers can book via ba.com or by calling 0844 493 0787.

Kim Cattrall, said: “I fly regularly between London, Canada and the USA with British Airways and I love their service. I need to be ready to work when I land, so to know that I can fly on their 787s and arrive feeling really rested and refreshed is a definite bonus for me.”

Cabin noise on the 787 is much less than on older aircraft types. Different pressurisation means the internal cabin altitude is the equivalent of 6,000ft, which is 2,000ft lower than on other aircraft. This leads to greater humidity, reducing the drying effect of the cabin air, so customers arrive feeling more refreshed. The aircraft’s smooth ride technology also provides extra comfort during any turbulence.

Club World  Copyright: British Airways

The bespoke lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them in the morning. Customers can also enjoy much larger windows, offering views of the horizon from every seat.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said: “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. This is the first of 24 that will arrive by 2017, and we have announced plans to convert further options for the aircraft into firm orders for delivery from 2017, including for the new larger 787-10 version.”

British Airways has ordered 24 787s, which will arrive over the next four years. The airline has also ordered 12 A380s and six additional 777-300ERs. Over the next 12 months, it will take delivery of a new aircraft at the rate of one a fortnight.

The aircraft orders form the centrepiece of British Airways’ £5bn investment in improved customer experience in the air and on the ground. The airline is the first in Europe to operate both the 787 and the A380.

Mitch Preston is British Airways’ first 787 pilot to fly the aircraft from Boeing’s Seattle home to London. Preston said: “It was a real pleasure to fly the 787 home to Heathrow today – it’s a joy to operate, and a really smooth ride.

“It’s exceptionally quiet and the cabin environment, combined with the service customers would expect from British Airways, will make for a great experience.

“I for one can’t wait to welcome our customers on board.”