NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daily wide-body British Airways flights between JFK International Airport and London Gatwick Airport will begin on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008.

British Airways will operate a daily B777 in each direction in a four-class seat configuration: 14 First class; 48 Club World (business class); 40 World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and 124 World Traveller (economy).

Flights to London Gatwick will depart JFK's Terminal 7 each evening at 6 p.m. and arrive the following morning at 6:05 a.m. Westbound flights will depart Gatwick at 11:20 a.m. and arrive at JFK Terminal 7 the same afternoon at 2:15 p.m.

The new flights mean that British Airways will fly 62 times each week from JFK to London as the Gatwick flights will operate in additional to 55 flights to Heathrow.

``The new JFK-Gatwick flight will give our customers even more choice when flying between New York and London,'' said Simon Talling-Smith, Executive Vice President Americas, British Airways. ``Not only does British Airways already have an extensive schedule from both JFK and Newark to London Heathrow, but next year we plan to launch business-only flights between JFK and London City Airport.''

Roundtrip fares between JFK and Gatwick will be common rated with those of JFK and Heathrow, and during the low winter season, non-flexible economy class fares start at $170 exclusive of fuel surcharges and taxes. World Traveller Plus (premium economy) restricted fares start at $709 and Club World (business class) advance purchase restricted fares begin at $2245 -- both roundtrip fares are exclusive of fuel surcharges and taxes.

Customers planning travel to the European continent via Gatwick have a choice of excellent connections to a wide range of continental destinations in Italy, France, Ireland and numerous other countries.

Further information on flight schedules, airfares and British Airways Holidays is available from local travel agents, by calling the airline toll-free at 1 800 AIRWAYS or by visiting British Airways online at http://www.ba.com.

The British Airways logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1862

          British Airways
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          Americas Communications
          (347) 418-4100