Today, Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) welcomed British Airways’ inaugural A380 flight on their existing London Heathrow (LHR) to YVR route. The A380 is the world’s largest passenger aircraft and will fly throughout the summer on British Airways’ daily service between Vancouver and London. This marks the first A380 service to YVR.
“This is a big day at YVR! British Airways has been providing passengers with an exceptional travel experience to London for many years. And now, with the introduction of the A380 on their London – Vancouver route there is an even bigger reason to fly!” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “Choosing Vancouver as their first Canadian destination to be served by an A380 is a testament to British Airways’ support of YVR as a world class hub airport. This new aircraft will stimulate the market and increase tourism opportunities across British Columbia.”
YVR has been A380-ready since 2006 when the aircraft touched down in Vancouver as part of a global test-flight schedule. The new service signifies British Airways’ confidence in YVR’s ability to handle and service the aircraft, and in the city’s ability to support the route. YVR will be the only airport in Western Canada to welcome scheduled service from the superjumbo.
“I’m delighted that British Airways is bringing the A380 to Vancouver,” said Robert Antoniuk, British Airways’ Vice President Customer Service, North America West. “We have been flying to Vancouver and British Columbia for over 30 years now and bringing our largest aircraft to the route is a testament to our success in this market. I know our customers will really enjoy our latest cabins along with a great entertainment system, offering plenty of options while enjoying a true British experience.”
British Airways’ A380 can accommodate up to 469 customers in four cabins across two full decks. The A380 is optimized for wellness, with quiet, spacious cabins and an advanced cabin air conditioning system with 15 different zones and cabin air that is changed every three minutes. Measuring 73 meters long with a wingspan of 80 meters, the A380 is striking in size with its double deck which runs length of the fuselage.
The British Airways A380 will depart YVR at 8:45 p.m. as BA84 and arrive at Heathrow at 2:00 p.m. the next day. For return flights BA85 will leave London Heathrow daily at 5:15 p.m. and arrive at YVR at 6:40 p.m. The daily A380 service will replace the double daily flights that British Airways was serving using a Boeing 747-400. Tickets are available at www.ba.com.