London City Aircraft delivered

BRITISH AIRWAYS first dedicated Airbus A318 for the controversial London City – JFK route has now been delivered and is being used for training prior to the introduction of daily services on Tuesday 29 September.  The aircraft is equipped with the ‘steep approach’ capability required to operate into the dockland airport, although now reduced to 5.5 degrees.  It was originally stipulated at 7.5 degrees for noise abatement purposes.  The normal glideslope is 3.5 degrees.  The new service remains contentious as it will undoubtedly dilute BA’s main line Business Class traffic out of JFK where passengers can change flights if needs be.  From City airport passenger loads are likely to be lighter with a longer flight time and the inconvenience of the Shannon stopover.  At only 32 seats the service is considered by some a marginal operation with some flights already being discounted for as little as £1,989.60 (inclusive) return. See also British Airways transatlantic gamble www.ba.com

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum