British Airways begins non-stop flights between Charleston and London
April 5, 2019
“Welcome aboard British Airways Flight 221 with nonstop service to Charleston, South Carolina.” That announcement becomes a reality for passengers departing London’s Heathrow Airport on the inaugural nonstop flight between the British Isles and the Palmetto State.
Shortly after that flight lands, an enthusiastic group of passengers at Charleston International Airport will board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the first outbound flight from the Lowcountry to London.
British Airways operates the service on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights leave from Charleston at 11:20 P.M. and arrive in London the next afternoon at 12:20 P.M. Returning flights will depart London at 5:30 P.M. and arrive in Charleston the same day at 9:30 P.M., local time. Tickets can be purchased at www.ba.com.
“Years of relationship building and months of preparations led us to this momentous occasion. Loved ones will be able to reconnect more easily while business travelers anticipate higher productivity and new opportunities,” said Paul Campbell, CEO of the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “
The twice-weekly service between Charleston and London was announced last October.
British Airways’, airport and community leaders will celebrate the inaugural flights with festivities at Charleston International on Thursday night. A red-carpet welcome, ribbon cutting, musical entertainment, and British-themed decorations, among other activities, will mark the occasion for arriving and departing passengers.
“I am really excited about this new service between Charleston and London, two world class cities with rich histories and strong cultures,” said Simon Brooks, British Airways’ Senior Vice President, Sales, North America. “We have an extensive global network— more than 200 destinations in 75 countries across the globe—and I’m pleased that British Airways can offer this service to the Charleston community.”
Since the announcement last fall, the new flight has been touted as a game changer by state and local officials. It is expected to boost international tourism and business opportunities across the state.
The flight is projected to generate an estimated economic impact of $20.2 million annually through new spending, job creation and other associated activity in tourism.
