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[ Airlines ]Sept. 25, 2021 5:56 p.m. ET
By Joey Gerardi
British Airways plans to resume operations in Austin and San Diego
The Covid-19 virus has wreaked havoc around the world, bringing virtually all international vacation travel to a standstill. There have been signs of a recovery in air travel in recent months, with domestic flights increasing. Another major sign of recovery is the resumption of long-haul international flights to vacation destinations.
British Airways flights to both Austin, Texas and San Diego, California, like most international passenger flights, were suspended in March 2020 and finally resumed after nearly 18 months. San Diego announced the resumption of service on September 15, 2021, and the city of Austin made the announcement about a week later on September 23, 2021. Despite the weekly difference in the announcement date, flights to both cities will resume on October 13, 2021 and will operate three times a week, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The press release made no mention of which aircraft would be flown to San Diego, but booking sites are currently showing that the flight will be on a Boeing 777, despite not specifying which variant of the aircraft. Flights to Austin are operated with the Boeing 787-9. Flights to both cities are operated on the aircraft they originally started service on years ago, and essentially go back to the basics of their respective routes.
There will be one big change that will stand out, the absence of the Boeing 747-400. Before the pandemic, British Airways used the Boeing 747-400 in Austin during the summer and the Boeing 777 the rest of the year. San Diego was served year-round by the Boeing 747-400, which became a familiar sight in the downtown skies almost every day and everyday sight will unfortunately never be seen again.
Not only the passengers are happy about the return of the two routes. British Airways’ Head of North American Sales, Marie Hilditch, said something about the relaunch of San Diego: “We can’t wait to welcome our customers back on board our San Diego flights and we are honored, ours are helping To reunite families and friends with loved ones after such a long separation. ”Austin Airport Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Yaft had something to say about the Austin relaunch at the press conference; “We are delighted to welcome British Airways back to Austin and celebrate the return of non-stop flights to London Heathrow. The resumption of the non-stop transatlantic between our two cities is great news for business and leisure travelers alike. “
Flights and flight schedules are subject to change.
Joe has always been interested in airplanes as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York in the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Because he came from a non-aviation family, it was more difficult for him to be near planes and he only spent about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he was able to drive alone and the first thing he did with the driver’s license was get ice cream and look for planes all day. If he has the time (and money) he likes to go sightseeing to any place that is worth visiting. He is currently enrolled at Western Michigan University with a degree in Aviation Management and Operations.
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