NEW ORLEANS – British Airways flight 224 took off Monday night from New Orleans, and successfully landed nine hours later in Europe, at London Heathrow. The last time a regularly scheduled flight did this was in 1982, 35 years ago. Demand for this new flight is so strong that British Airways has already decided to add another day to the route, bringing the service to five days a week during peak months.
This direct connection to Heathrow, the third busiest airport in the world, is a game-changer for Greater New Orleans, GNO, Inc. reps said. It will have a major positive stimulation effect on business, tourism and conventions, they said.
"This is a knock-it-out-of-the-park win for our state and region – it’s a perfect demonstration of the success and effectiveness of our global concentration and focus. London and beyond, here we come,” said Greg Rusovich, chairman of the Louisiana Board of International Commerce.
Landing this British Airways flight was the result of a more than four year team effort led by the airport, Stephen Perry and the NOCVB, GNO, Inc., Mayor Landrieu, Jefferson Parish leaders, the Louisiana Governor and Lt. Governor and LED, GNO, Inc. reps said. More than 100 other business people, civic leaders and interested parties – from Lafayette to Pensacola – also pitched in, GNO, Inc. reps said.
GNO Inc. reps said this flight would not have happened but for exceptional public/ private teamwork and the right technology. The “Dreamliner” Boeing 787 aircraft is the most advanced commercial jetliner flying today, they said. Not only does the 787 fly at lower pressure and higher humidity, resulting in a more refreshing flight, it also is a smaller, more fuel efficient long-haul aircraft, making routes like New Orleans/London more accessible, they said.
