London City Airport and British Airways have enjoyed the busiest summer ever and they anticipate the record numbers of passengers travelling to and from the airport as the UK's leading carrier plan to base more aircraft and offer more routes from the airport.
British Airways will base an additional four Embraer E190 aircraft at the airport, joining the BA CityFlyer fleet during 2019, which will raise the number of aircraft at the subsidiary regional operation to 26 aircraft.
From 11th November the airline will launch a new year-round service to Rome from the London Docklands airport, which will have lead in fares of £55 one-way, taking hand baggage only. In addition, a fifth daily service will be added to the popular Zurich route on weekdays.
Rome is the first of a number of new routes and extra flights to be announced for next year. Tom Stoddart, managing director BA CityFlyer, said: “It is an exciting time for us at London City Airport. The four new aircraft shows our commitment to giving our customers an even bigger range of destinations and flight times. This growth will see the number of job opportunities in East London increase with direct employment opportunities for pilots, cabin crew and engineers, as well as indirect roles for our various suppliers in and around the airport.”
Luke Hayhoe, general manager commercial and customer, said: “It is very positive to continue the year-on year-expansion at London City Airport. We added 13 per cent more capacity in 2018 and will add nearly 20 per cent in 2019. The new route to Rome will increase the number of British Airways’ destinations from London City Airport to 33.”
British Airways’ £4.5 billion investment for customers over the next five years, also includes the installation of the best quality WiFi and power in every seat, fitting 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft.
Richard Hill, Chief Commercial Officer at London City Airport, said: “BA CityFlyer is London City Airport’s largest airline partner and this investment in four additional E-Jets demonstrates absolute commitment to its base at London’s most central airport, and continued growth as we enter 2019.
“An enlarged fleet will mean more choice for tourists and business travellers alike, giving customers more flights to the destinations they love, under the British Airways brand. Introducing a Rome service and adding frequency to Zurich, already one of our busiest routes, keeps London connected to major European cities, and is a real endorsement of the London City proposition by our home-based carrier. We look forward to further new route announcements in the near future.” 
