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British Airways Celebrates the Launch of its New Trinidad-London Route

British Airways Celebrates the Launch of its New Trinidad-London Route

PORT OF SPAIN, March 28, 2007 - - British Airways today launches its new B777 service between Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and London Gatwick Airport.

There will be three flights each week from Port of Spain, via Barbados on a Boeing 777, the world's longest range commercial aircraft.

The airline has also signed a codeshare agreement with Caribbean Airlines. Caribbean Airlines' flight code has been placed on British Airways' services from Port of Spain as well as from Barbados. Caribbean Airlines' customers can redeem frequent flyer rewards on these British Airways services.

To mark the occasion of today's first flight, the Atrium of the Piarco International Airport will become a meeting place of British and Trinbagonian cultures. This was made possible with the assistance from the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) and the Airports Authority of Trinidad.

The British Airways Boeing 777 inaugural flight, piloted by Captain Fred Peters, a Trinidadian by birth, is scheduled to touch down at Piarco at approximately 3:20 p.m.

The official welcome party at the airport will include the Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment, the Honourable Penelope Beckles, British Airways Country Manager in Trinidad and Tobago, Marcelle Joseph, BA's Commercial Manager for the Caribbean Dianne Corrie and representatives of the Airports Authority.

Dr. Oliver King, British Airways Senior Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean will thank the people of Trinidad and Tobago for the opportunity to "once again serve the travelling needs of citizens.”

According to Dr. King, "British Airways is proud of our long-standing history and partnership with the Caribbean. While Trinidad and Tobago is primarily a business destination due to its oil and gas industry, it is undoubtedly a thriving leisure market as well.”

He goes on to say, "the Caribbean remains an important market for British Airways which is committed to working with local tourism organizations in the region to position the Caribbean as an attractive destination for British and European visitors.”

Three weekly flights, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, will operate between London Gatwick and Port of Spain, via Barbados, and are being operated by Boeing 777 in a three-class configuration featuring 40 Club World business class seats, 24 World Traveller Plus (premium economy) seats and 216 World Traveller (economy) seats.

Dr. King adds, "The airline is also pleased to commence BA World Cargo's new long haul mainline service to Port of Spain." The new Boeing 777 service which starts today will provide customers with the only UK-based cargo operation into Trinidad. The aircraft is capable of carrying 18 tons of cargo. The service will increase BA World Cargo’s reach into Barbados from its existing daily BGI service to ten flights per week.

British Airways has been operating its Tobago to London route since 1998.

Travellers may obtain additional information regarding British Airways fares, schedules and holidays by visiting the airline's website, www.ba.com.

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