British Airways is launching four new routes from Gatwick from the start of the summer timetable (Sunday 25 March) and at the same time stopping four existing routes. In comes Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) with three flights per week; Dresden (Germany) with daily services and Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) with three flights per week.
Also new and already controversially launched are flights to Newquay in direct competition with the small independent airline Air Southwest. It is not all gain. Suspended from Gatwick are services to Hassi Messaoud (Algeria), Newcastle and Riga (Lativa).
From 1 June 2007, British Airways flights to Vancouver from Heathrow will operate from Terminal 1 rather than Terminal 4.
Also complete for start of the season are the final touches to a refreshed first class product. New are 'Sleeper Suits' made from high-quality cotton and slippers in navy blue with camel trim are also available on 'Turndown Service' routes.
The refresh began with the roll-out of a personalized 'Turndown Service' in November 2006 on flights departing after 19.30 or lasting for more than 10 hours. On request the cabin crew will now lay out a mattress, duvet and pillow all dressed in Egyptian cotton. The popular Aroma Therapeutics 'Sleep Enhancer' spray will then be placed on customers' pillows to help them enjoy a good night's sleep.
The washbag, known as the BAg and created by leading accessories designer Anya Hindmarch, has been redeveloped in rich, luxurious brown velvet with a classic aviation image adorning the inside cover. It contains a range of Kiehl”s products plus socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush, Elgydium toothpaste and mouthwash.