British Airways (BA) is to launch a transatlantic business class only service next year from London City Airport to New York using A318 aircraft.
The surprise announcement came this morning as CEO Willie Walsh released the airline”s interim trading statement showing operating profit of ”734m ” up 28.5%.
This will be the first time that the British flag carrier has ordered A318 aircraft, although it is unclear whether they are new or leased machines.
”We will launch a business class niche service in 2009, linking the two largest financial centres of the world with flights from London City to New York on Airbus A318 aircraft,” said Walsh.
”We are confident it will be a success as London City is only a short distance from the heart of London”s financial district.”
ABTN will publish more details this morning on the new service.