British Airways today launched a new business-only flight from London City to New York, via Shannon, as it tries to fight back from its worst ever financial crisis.The airline, which announced record annual losses of £401 million last month, is to charge up to £5,000 return for a seat on the twice daily flights from London City Airport to JFK, reports the London Evening Standard. Billed as a “City-to-Wall Street” flight, the carrier is promising executives the most convenient connection between the two financial centres.
The cash-strapped airline has purchased two small A318 planes — that will carry just 32 high-paying passengers. The service will begin in September — shortly before BA ends its Gatwick to New York service after 25 years.
As the planes are so small, there will be a refuelling stop at Shannon in Ireland — where passengers will be able to clear US immigration. BA bosses hope that a 15-minute check-in at City Airport and not having to queue for immigration at New York's JFK will cancel out the 45-minute refuelling stop, making it as quick as other transatlantic flights.
