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LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT —


British Airways and Barbados have been working together for over 65 years, with more than a few milestones and notable moments to reflect upon


A


s the sun beat down on Barbados’s Grantley Adams International airport on 1 October 1954, an aircraft landed amid


the idyllic scenery and made history. Operated by British Airways’ predecessor BOAC, it was the first one-stop flight from London to Barbados, and paved the way for 65 years of close ties between the carrier and the tropical island. In those early days, flights were operated via


Bermuda, on a Lockheed Constellation. Hailed as one of the most technologically advanced aircraft of its time, it was seen as a symbol of luxury and comfort. For six months prior to the launch, BOAC had offered a London-Barbados service, but with three stopovers it took nearly 18 hours.


MOVING FORWARD Throughout the 1960s most flights to the island were routed via Bermuda or New York, but in 1968 BOAC launched a direct service from Heathrow, departing twice a week. By 1974 the carrier was known as British


Airways, and the following years saw numerous additions to the Barbados schedule. By the late 1980s, there were three flights a week from both Heathrow and Gatwick, and a twice-weekly service from Manchester. In 1977, Concorde made its Barbadian debut,


when HM The Queen and Prince Philip returned to London following their Jubilee tour. They made the journey in a mere 3 hours and 42 minutes, travelling at more than twice the speed of sound. A decade later, holidaymakers were able to follow in their supersonic footsteps, when BA launched scheduled Concorde services from Heathrow.


TIMES OF CHANGE When Concorde was withdrawn in 2003, BA’s seven-strong fleet was dispersed for preservation.


4 BARBADOS & BRITISH AIRWAYS JULY 2019


THE LATEST UPDATES FROM BRITISH AIRWAYS...


Graeme Connor, head of commerical (Gatwick), British Airways Our customers tell us choice is important, so we meet this need with our Caribbean proposition. They can choose from four cabins to fly to Barbados in and our premium economy (World Traveller Plus) cabin has recently received an industry-leading makeover. The new World Traveller seat launched at Gatwick last year and the roll-out plan will be completed by 2020. The seat features a 50% larger entertainment screen and six-way adjustable leg, foot and headrest. This year we added new furnishings and an improved dining experience. We’re also launching new amenity kits, bedding in World Traveller Plus and Wi-Fi is being added on long-haul flights. Overall, we are investing £6.5 billion in new aircraft, cabins, catering, lounges, Wi-Fi and routes. We’re committed to Barbados and look forward to strengthening partnerships with the tourist board, hotels and trade partners to ensure tourism to Barbados is stronger than ever.


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