The first aircraft was deployed on the airline’s Toronto – London Heathrow route following extensive trials and will operate on selected services to Tel Aviv, Israel and Bangalore, India, from later this year.
Since British Airways took delivery earlier this year, the A350 has flown over 15,400 miles between London Heathrow and Madrid, completing 40 take-offs and landings to put the aircraft through its paces.
The new aircraft features BA’s new business class seats, Club Suites, with direct-aisle access, doors for greater privacy and flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.
Compared to BA’s usual business cabin, Club Suites have 40% more storage, plus a vanity unit and mirror, WiFi access, 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens, and PC and USB power sockets.
Not only is the A350 aircraft quieter than some of its predecessors, it also burns 25% less fuel, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
According to BA, the new plane has a more passenger-friendly environment with reduced noise, high ceilings, ambient lighting, higher levels of humidity, refreshed air and cabin pressure equivalent to an altitude of just 6,000 feet.
“We’re thrilled to be launching our new A350 from Toronto, a city we’ve flown to and from for nearly 60 years. The A350 and our new Club Suite business class seat deliver new levels of sophistication, comfort and privacy,” says BA’s VP Sales for North America, Gerard McEvoy.
The arrival of the new aircraft is part of the airline’s £6.5bn current investment programme, and forms part of BA’s centenary year.
