News | Airlines

OpenSkies launches

2008-06-19

British Airways' subsidiary airline OpenSkies launched its first commercial flight today (June 19) between Paris Orly and New York JFK. The airline will operate daily services between Paris and New York on Boeing 757 aircraft carrying up to 82 passengers. "We are confident that OpenSkies will have a successful future," said British Airways' chief executive Willie Walsh. "It will benefit from British Airways' experience in the transatlantic market and respond quickly to changing customer demands. "OpenSkies will become a test-bed for new customer services and onboard products that we hope to integrate into British Airways' fleet." The airline is expected to compete effectively despite the tough economic climate, he said. "It has a low cost base and support from British Airways in key areas such as sales and marketing. This differentiates it from some new airlines that have failed recently which were operating in isolation without the backing of an established carrier," he added. The service offers a business cabin with 24 fully flat bed seats and a personalised concierge service. Other European destinations being considered include Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Milan.