NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--British Airways has announced plans to invest $110 million in its US airport facilities. The investment includes over $65 million investment in JFK’s Terminal 7 to improve the customer journey at check in, security and boarding gates as well as a refurbishment of its First and Business class lounges. The British Airways lounges in Boston, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Houston and Seattle will also undergo development to enhance the customer experience.
The airline has also announced a new partnership with Alaska Airlines to give customers the option to connect onto British Airways from even more US cities. Customers can now book seats on Alaska Airlines flights from seven new destinations across the west coast of America and three in Hawaii direct on ba.com, allowing smoother bookings and connections for American travelers heading to the UK and Europe.
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, made the announcements during his visit to New York. He said, “We are excited to start work on a targeted investment plan to make improvements for our customers. We have already introduced the newest aircraft in our fleet onto many of our popular routes in the US and we want to ensure the lounge facilities match that premium experience.
“Next year we will be flying to 25 cities in the US. It is a very important market for British Airways, which is why we have the most flights to Europe and fly to more cities in the US than any other European airline.”
British Airways recently announced it is investing more than $500 million in its Club World (business) cabin, this transformation will include improvements in the quality and choice of meals, as well as the service experience and sleep enhancements such as luxury bedding.
As well as announcing a series of investments Cruz was keen to emphasize the value the UK offers for US travelers saying: “There has never been a better time to visit the UK; at the end of October the pound sterling was 21 percent cheaper for US travelers than last year.”
Notes to Editors:
* New connecting cities as part of the Alaska Airlines codeshare agreement are: Honolulu, Kona, Kahului, Portland, Salt Lake City, Boise, Fairbanks, Spokane and Santa Ana.
* Investment in US airport facilities is over the next five years.
