A picture of the first of six Boeing 757-200s for British Airways” (BA) OpenSkies subsidiary shows the new livery, which includes the classic BA tailfin.
The aircraft also has red-painted ”winglets” ” unfortunately just out of shot here ” which the airlines says will increase fuel efficiency by up to 5% - a large saving at this period of record oil prices.
A three-class cabin with 82 seats is being retrofitted in all the 757s: 24 6ft (1.83m) lie-flat seats in Business Class, which is being called ”Biz”; 28 in Premium Economy, called ”Prem+”, with 52” seat pitch (the most for this class in any airline, claims BA); and 30 in Economy.
Personal entertainment units will be available for all seats with more than 50hrs of programmes available, while the food menu will be more of an ”a la carte” style twinned with an ”extensive” wine list according to statements on the website. To give an indication of the kind of service BA is aiming for, wine will be poured from bottles rather than handed out in the miniature plastic versions airlines often use.
The aircraft interior has been refurbished, with new carpets, d”cor and overhead luggage lockers.
”We”re out to do things differently and have total focus on creating the best customer experience on our routes,” said OpenSkies managing director Dale Moss. ”We want to deliver an unforgettable premium flying experience and an atmosphere focused on personalisation and comfort.”
Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York JFK has been confirmed as the first route, to be followed by Brussels-JFK (it has not announced which Belgian airport yet). Pending regulatory approval, OpenSkies aims to fly to the US city from other European cities.
While OpenSkies customers will earn Executive Club miles, the subsidiary will not be part of the oneworld alliance.
The airline expects to receive a second 757 later this year, and will have its full complement of six by the end of 2009.