British Airways (London) and Boeing (Chicago) today announced the delivery of the UK carrier’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The British Airways 787 departed Paine Field in Everett, Washington, on Wednesday, June 26, arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport today at 12:10 pm local time. The airplane was welcomed to its Heathrow home by Willie Walsh, chief executive officer ofInternational Airlines Group (IAG), the company that owns British Airways.

British Airways has announced that the airline will operate the 787 from Heathrow to Toronto (Pearson) from September 1 and Heathrow to Newark from October 1.

“The delivery of the first of BA’s 787s is an exciting milestone for Boeing and British Airways,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.  “The 787 is the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient commercial jetliner in its class. Its improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and cleaner cabin air will offer BA’s passengers an unparalleled flying experience.”

The 787 Dreamliner is composed of lightweight composites and features numerous systems, engine and aerodynamic advancements, with unmatched fuel efficiency using 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes.  It is the first mid-sized airplane capable of flying long-range routes, providing airlines with unprecedented fuel economy and low operating costs and enabling airlines to open new, non-stop routes preferred by passengers. On a 787 with Rolls-Royce engines, UK companies make about 25 percent of the 787 by value.

The British Airways 787 Dreamliner carries 214 passengers and is configured with 35 seats in Club World, 25 in World Traveller Plus and 154 seats in the World Traveller cabin.

British Airways operates more than 140 Boeing airplanes within its fleet including 52 777s, as well as the world’s largest fleet of 747s with 52.

This is the first of 24 787s British Airways has on order. In addition, IAG recently announced that it will convert 18 787 options to firm orders for British Airways, subject to shareholder agreement. Twelve of these will be 787-10s, meaning British Airways will operate the entire 787 family – the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10.

British Airways issued this statement:

To celebrate, the airline is launching special fares from both cities to London Heathrow. For travel from Toronto and New York (JFK or Newark), the fares begin at $787 roundtrip in World Traveller (economy). World Traveller Plus, the airline’s premium economy, fares begin from $1290 roundtrip and, continuing the celebrations, Club World business class fares start from $2787 roundtrip. All fares include taxes, fees and carrier charges.

The new 787 routes were announced in association with brand ambassador and star of stage and screen, Kim Cattrall (above). Kim, who born in England and raised in Canada said: “I fly regularly between the UK, Canada and the USA with British Airways and I love their service. I need to be ready to work when I land, so to know that I can fly on their 787s and arrive feeling really rested and refreshed is a definite bonus for me.”

New British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliners: Benefits for Customers

• Low levels of cabin noise resulting in increased rest for customers.
• A higher humidity level in the cabins reduces the ‘drying effect’ so customers arrive feeling refreshed. This is the result of a difference in pressurization where cabin altitude is the equivalent of 6,000ft; 2,000ft lower than on other aircraft.
• The aircraft’s smooth ride technology provides extra comfort during any turbulence.
• The bespoke lighting in every cabin can be set to reflect the time of day, helping to lull travellers to sleep at night and to wake them in the morning.
• Customers can also enjoy much larger windows, offering views of the horizon from every seat.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, said: “The 787 is a tremendous, innovative aircraft which sets new standards for environmental performance and operating efficiency and I’m sure British Airways customers will love it.

“The 787 will become a mainstay of the British Airways fleet over the next few years. This is the first of 24 that will arrive by 2017, and we have announced plans to convert further options for the aircraft into firm orders for delivery from 2017, including for the new larger 787-10 version.”

Mitch Preston is British Airways’ first 787 pilot to fly the aircraft from Boeing’s Seattle home toLondon. Preston said: “It was a real pleasure to fly the 787 home to Heathrow today — it’s a joy to operate, and a really smooth ride.

“It’s exceptionally quiet and the cabin environment, combined with the service customers would expect from British Airways, will make for a great experience. I for one can’t wait to welcome our customers on board.”

British Airways has ordered 24 787s, which will arrive over the next four years. The airline has also ordered 12 A380s and six additional Boeing 777-300 ERs. Over the next 12 months, it will take delivery of a new aircraft at the rate of one a fortnight.

 The aircraft orders form the centrepiece of British Airways’ [Pounds]5bn investment in improved customer experience in the air and on the ground. The airline is the first in Europe to operate both the 787 and the A380.

Videos:

Top Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. The pictured 787-8 G-ZBJB (msn 38610) was officially handed over to the carrier on June 25, 2013.

Bottom Copyright Photo: James Mepsted. The first arrival of G-ZBJB this morning at London (Heathrow).

British Airways: