NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – British Airways will begin to offer direct flights to New Orleans in 2017, making it the only airline providing a direct connection between London and the Big Easy.
With four direct flights per week to London starting on March 27, 2017, locals will be able to fly from New Orleans to London Heathrow in under 10 hours, according to the British Airways website.
The airline offers free seat selection 24 hours in advance, complimentary food and bar service, and online check-in options.
Governor John Bel Edwards released a statement praising the new connection shortly after the morning announcement, which was attended by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Greater New Orleans Inc. CEO Michael Hecht, and other business leaders.
“Reconnecting New Orleans and London with nonstop flights makes perfect business and tourism sense for our state,” Edwards said. “More travelers come to the U.S. from the U.K. than any other nation outside the Americas, and New Orleans experienced the biggest growth rate in overseas visitors of any U.S. city last year. We have prepared for this opportunity extensively in collaboration with the airport, the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans CVB, Greater New Orleans Inc., Louisiana Economic Development and other partners. Our collective efforts to attract British Airways will build the global tourism brand of New Orleans, create new jobs in the region and generate significant international business development for Louisiana.”
Flights will depart New Orleans at 9:10 p.m. with an arrival time of noon the next day in London, while flights from London will depart at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in New Orleans at 7:40 p.m.
“We are delighted to be adding New Orleans to the British Airways global network,” British Airways senior vice president, for sales Simon Brooks said. “It’s such a vibrant city and like London, it boasts an iconic music and arts scene. I’m sure it will be a big hit with British visitors. We are also pleased to be connecting our two cities as developing technology hubs and look forward to increased business opportunities as a result of the new service.”
“For years, we have pursued bringing more direct international flights to Armstrong Airport, and with the addition of British Airways, it’s clear our hard work is paying off,” Landrieu said. “Now, travelling from London to New Orleans and likewise from New Orleans abroad will be more economical and save time, unleashing new economic ties and cultural exchanges for our region’s businesses. Nonstop flights to London open a gateway to new international markets that will create jobs and new opportunity. In advance of our city’s tricentennial in 2018 and the opening of new North Terminal project, New Orleans is poised for big things as we welcome more travelers from around the world to our world-class city.”
