NEW YORK, May 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, British Airways launched the first nonstop service between Mineta San José International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. For the daily service, British Airways is operating the most technologically advanced aircraft in its fleet, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s newly designed First class cabin.

Customers in the Bay Area now have the choice to fly on British Airways’ Dreamliner from San José or the airline’s A380 from San Francisco, providing more choice and flexibility when it comes to their travel schedules.

Simon Brooks, senior vice president for British Airways North America, said, “Our customers in the Silicon Valley tech and business community want efficiency and premium quality. San José will be the fourth city from which we fly in California and we are pleased to be able to offer our valued Bay Area travelers more flight options and quick, easy access to London and beyond.”

“We mark an important milestone in the history of San José and Silicon Valley today by partnering with British Airways to launch first-ever nonstop service to London,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “London is the number one requested international destination from Mineta San José International Airport, and we’re pleased to now offer it to business and leisure travelers in our region. British Airways’ new service is the first of four international flights we will inaugurate in the next few weeks, reflecting the growing importance of the Silicon Valley region globally.”

Introducing the 787-9 Dreamliner

The new aircraft accommodates 216 customers across four cabins, with 127 seats in World Traveller (economy), 39 seats in World Traveller Plus (premium economy), 42 seats in Club World (business), and eight suites in the new First cabin. All customers can enjoy free meals, beverages and a free checked bag.

Designed to enhance customer wellbeing, the new fuel-efficient aircraft boasts smooth ride technology, which minimizes the effects of turbulence and creates a more comfortable trip. Lower pressurization results in cabin air that is less dry, reducing the effects of jet lag for customers. Customers will also enjoy carefully designed ambient lighting in every cabin that gradually adjusts to suit the time of day, creating a calming environment.

All customers traveling on the 787-9 Dreamliner can use their individual widescreen TV to choose from a wide array of audio and video on-demand options. They can also speak to friends and family who are sitting throughout the aircraft using an in-seat chat system, as well as connect their own devices to the entertainment system.

A new First journey

The new First suites were designed specifically for the Boeing 787-9, with careful consideration given to comfort and convenience. Each intimate space features extra storage and updated smart control for features such as seat positioning and personal lighting.

Customers in the First cabin will enjoy a new in-flight entertainment console that features a sleek smartphone-like handset, giving customers the ability to simultaneously watch one item, such as flight updates on the moving map, while watching also a film on the new 23-inch widescreen.

Rewards and Packages

Recognizing and understanding the needs of small and medium size businesses, American Airlines’ Business Extra® program allows members traveling on British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines to collect and spend across all three airlines, with coordinated benefits that help businesses to stretch their travel budgets.

British Airways Vacations offers a range of flight+hotel and flight+car packages, as well as sightseeing tours, city passes, theatre tickets, around the world to suit all budgets. With a deposit of $10 per person, customers can lock in a price for 72 hours, giving them time to confirm details with their friends and family and making it even easier to book with confidence.