British Airways has deployed the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between London and Mumbai route. Earlier the carrier used to fly a Boeing 777. With this new deployment the Airline has invested more in the premium products between London and Mumbai. The new aircraft features a brand new First cabin.
Speaking about the new deployment Robert Williams, Head of Sales – Asia Pacific and the Middle East, British Airways said, “India is a very important market for us, we are investing a lot in this market. Earlier we had introduced a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between New Delhi- London which has been successful. We have been hearing a lot of positive feedback from our Delhi travellers who have flown the 787-9. The new aircraft will feature a total of eight first class seats, 42 ClubWorld seats, 39 World Traveller Plus premium economy seats, 172 economy seats. So the new aircraft is longer than the B787-8, we have invested in first class cabin. It’s an improved customer proposition.”
Speaking about the demand for premium products from the India market Williams said that British Airways aircrafts have a significant number of premium cabin seats. We still maintain a first class in many of our aircrafts. There is a huge demand for premium cabin seats from India to London, hence we have invested.
Recently, the US government has announced restrictions on the type of electronic items that may be carried onboard flights to the US from certain Middle-Eastern airports, majority of Indian travellers flying to US transit through these Airports.
Williams said, “We are not affected by the policy. Customers travelling from India and US will not be affected if travelling with British Airways. Travellers can carry all their devices without checking it in and carry in our flights. We have a strong network and connection to the US.”
From next year British Airways will induct A350s in their fleets. William said that they are in the middle of huge investment in fleets for Short haul and long haul fleets.
The airline currently operates 49 flights a week from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad to London. All flights land at the London Heathrow Terminal 5.
