Category Archives: British Airways

British Airways returns to Abu Dhabi

British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi this morning as it touched down at Zayed International Airport. Customers and crew received a warm welcome following a four-year pause of the route.

British Airways will operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi all year around, using Boeing 787-9 during summer 2024. The new route adds to our extensive global network and strengthens connections between UAE and UK – whether customers are travelling for leisure, business or to visit relatives and friends.

Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 22.25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1. The inbound flight to London (BA072) departs at 10.10, arriving London Heathrow 15.20.

Flight schedule:

London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH) All times are local
Season	Flight number	Departing LHR	Arriving AUH	Flight number	Departing AUH	Arriving LHR
Summer ‘24	BA73	22:25	08:30+1	BA72	10:10	15:20
Winter ‘24	BA73	22:25	09:30+1	BA72	11:10	15:20

British Airways makes improvements to its Executive Club loyalty program by making every one of its flights available from just £1 plus Avios

In a move to give customers even more choice when spending their Avios, British Airways has announced the latest improvement to its Executive Club loyalty program by making every one of its flights available from just £1 plus Avios.

When booking any flight or holiday, Avios part payment invites customers to reduce the monetary cost of their booking by selecting the amount of Avios they would like to contribute. Until now, the maximum discount varied depending on multiple factors, whereas the airline is now giving customers the option to reduce their booking to just £1 using Avios.

Using Avios part payment is different to booking a Reward Seat, of which there are a limited number on each flight at a fixed rate. Members booking any flight can use Avios part payment regardless of the seat type, allowing more flexibility, with varying amounts of Avios to contribute.

Last year, British Airways Holidays introduced Avios part payment, with holiday package bookings starting from £1 + Avios.

Members using Avios part payment towards their booking will still collect Avios and Tier Points on their flight as well as any bonus Avios and Tier Points if applicable. Part payment can also be used for flights operated by American Airlines between the UK and North America, and British Airways codeshares with selected partners.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

British Airways introduces two real-time weather apps for its pilots

The apps will provide real-time data from The Weather Company to pilots and flight planning teams to help better predict bad weather
This new technology will replace manually produced weather reports, and forms part of the airline’s £7bn transformation programme, as it continues to focus on increasing the use of new technology across its operation
The technology has been developed and configured to meet the exact needs of British Airways’ extensive route network, providing benefits across its short and long-haul operations, and will be introduced ahead of the busy summer season

British Airways will become the first UK airline to roll out two next-generation weather apps, to provide pilots and the airline’s flight planning teams access to real-time weather data, allowing them to better plan and mitigate the impact of weather on any intended flight route, in the moment.

Currently, teams rely on manually produced weather reports that are generated earlier that day. With access to the new apps, pilots and flight planning teams will be able to assess the impact of weather changes in real-time to better plan and adapt flight paths, making more operationally efficient decisions.

The first app will give the airline’s pilots streamlined access to weather data from The Weather Company, offering comprehensive insights into weather conditions along flight paths both before departure and while in the air. Additional updates will utilise onboard Wi-Fi connectivity* to support real time in-flight weather updates, further improving its functionality.

The airline’s Integrated Operations Control centre – the operational hub that keeps the airline running smoothly, will also have access to an app that – in the future – will work in conjunction with the new technology available to pilots, giving them precise information on weather changes.

The technology has been developed and configured to meet the exact needs of British Airways’ extensive route network, providing benefits across its short and long-haul operations, and is being introduced ahead of the busy summer season.

British Airways turns 50 and keeps quiet about it – so what do experts think about the airline?

From the Independent:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-50-anniversary-ba-b2521499.html

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

British Airways to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport

More than 90% of British Airways’ vehicles and ground equipment at Heathrow are now zero emissions when being used or driven, hybrids or are operating on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel
More than 750 pieces of equipment, ranging from aircraft de-icing vehicles to baggage loading equipment, are now powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
The airline is replacing diesel passenger aircraft steps with electric versions, introducing hybrid electric vehicles to move cargo and improving battery and charging technology for the electric baggage vehicles, all of which will be rolled out gradually throughout 2024 and 2025
British Airways is also transitioning towards a full fleet of electric and hybrid passenger buses at Heathrow, with a large charging park now in the early stages of development
These improvements form part of the airline’s array of new initiatives under its £7 billion investment plan to transform the business over the next three years

British Airways is embarking on a multi-million-pound investment program to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of its commitment to reducing emissions both in the air and on the ground. The airline will gradually be replacing its ground vehicles at Heathrow, such as vans and cars, cargo transporters and passenger steps, moving towards hybrid or electric alternatives where available. Already, more than 90% of British Airways’ vehicles and ground equipment at Heathrow are either zero emissions electrical equipment when being used or driven, (hybrids) or are operating on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.

Improvements include:

Replacing more than 750 pieces of ground equipment, including fuel bowsers from fossil fuel to HVO. HVO is an interim measure whilst the airline gradually transitions to zero-emissions (when being used or driven) or hybrid equipment. Supplied by the airline’s current sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplier, Phillips 66, the use of HVO is anticipated to save more than 6,000 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to traditional diesel fuel, the equivalent of more than 8,000 round-trip economy passenger journeys between London Heathrow and JFK*.
Replacing all diesel passenger aircraft steps with electric alternatives. This aims to reduce fuel consumption by more than 370 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, based on previous diesel usage, which is the equivalent of more than 500 round-trip economy passenger journeys between London Heathrow and JFK*. Many of the electric steps will be in full service by the end of the year.
Phasing out its fleet of 20 diesel-powered vehicles which support the loading and unloading of cargo containers onto aircraft, replacing them with Hybrid Electric models.
Introducing 135 new electric baggage tugs, accounting for 40% of our tugs,to transport customer’s luggage. This improved battery and charging technology utilises highly efficient lithium-ion battery technology, requiring less energy and producing 30% less C02 when in use compared to traditional lead acid batteries. We are working closely with our supply chain in order to recycle as many battery components as possible at the end of life.
Gradually phasing out all 38 diesel passenger buses over the next two years, with 23 expected to be fully electric and the remaining 15 operating on HVO fuel, with a large charging park at Heathrow now in the early stages of development. The use of these vehicles is expected to save 800 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, helping to reduce negative air quality impacts around the Heathrow area.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Airbus):

British Airways reveals Valentine’s Day themed treats

British Airways is bringing romance to the skies this Valentine’s Day with love-themed desserts, complimentary heart chocolates, hours of rom-coms available through the airline’s ‘Love is in the air’ inflight entertainment category, as well as romantic gift ideas from its High Life Shop.

In addition British Airways Holidays has launched a range of city break offers from £142pp to celebrate the most romantic date of the year (the 14th day of the second month). Customers can choose from a range of options including Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin, Turin, Edinburgh, Nice, Prague, Stockholm, and Verona*.

Whether flying short-haul or long-haul, every customer travelling on 14 February from Heathrow and Gatwick will feel the love with a complimentary heart shaped chocolate upon boarding. Customers in First and Club can enjoy the following desserts:

Valentine’s themed desserts

White chocolate mousse heart with passion fruit and mango: A red chocolate-coated heart with a white chocolate, mango and passion fruit mousse, complemented by fresh berries, exclusively for those travelling in First.
Chocolate and raspberry mousse: An indulgent chocolate and raspberry mousse with a gingerbread crumble, complete with a chocolate heart on top, for those travelling in Club World and Club Europe (long and short-haul business class).
Raspberry and rosewater Valentine’s macaron: As part of the Club Europe (short-haul business class) afternoon tea, customers can enjoy a raspberry macaron with a rosewater and raspberry filling, back by popular demand following its debut last year.

Long-haul: Rom-com inflight entertainment

British Airways has re-launched its popular ‘Love is in the air’ category on its inflight entertainment. Customers looking to soak up the romance on long-haul flights can watch a range of rom-com classics, including Marry Me, Along Came Polly and Music and Lyrics amongst others.

Anti-Valentine’s advocates need not worry though, as thrillers such as Birds of Prey, Nocturnal Animals and The Meg are being added for a limited time.

Loved-up lounges

Customers relaxing before their flight will be able to enjoy heart-shaped gingerbread at the Heathrow Club and First lounges, plus beautiful fresh flower arrangements in both the airlines Heathrow and Gatwick lounges.

In addition, an exclusive wine tasting will take place at the Whispering Angel bar in the Club Lounge at T5B from 12:00 for rosé lovers who want to celebrate together.

For customers travelling from the USA, all British Airways lounges, including San Francisco, New York and Boston will be offering a pink gin-based cocktail called ‘Strawberry Aviation’ to make travelling a little bit sweeter this Valentine’s Day.

Short-haul: Make a flight more special with the High Life Café

For those customers who’d like to make their trip a little more special, or for those whose gifts got lost in the post, the High Life Café is offering a pre-ordered Champagne and chocolate celebration set. Customers can also call British Airways’ customer service team and include a complimentary personalised message in their order if they are treating someone on board.

There is also a range of Valentine’s gifts from the High Life Shop. From Tom Ford’s Café Rose Eau du Parfum to Hot Diamonds’ ‘The Romantic Pendant’, customers can purchase a selection of gifts from duty free for a pre- or post-flight treat.

*Offer is available when booking between 12 – 19 February 2024 for travel in March 2024. The price includes return flights plus a two-night stay in one of our recommended hotels, such as the example below:

Two nights at the Citadines Montmartre Paris from £142pp, travelling in March 2024 on a room-only basis. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport, one checked bag at 23kg per person.

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Boeing):

British Airways aircraft photo gallery (Historic):