OpenSkies Acquires L'Avion, Announces Amsterdam-New York Flight

British Airways announced that it completed the purchase of French airline L’Avion, which will be integrated with British Airways’ subsidiary OpenSkies in early 2009. OpenSkies' flight between Paris Orly and JFK International Airport and L'Avion's two Boeing 757s flying between Paris Orly and Newark Airport will provide three daily flights between the Paris and the New York area.

“This is an ideal combination of two companies that share a focus on delivering an unparalleled experience on the transatlantic journey," said Dale Moss, managing director of OpenSkies.

Upon final integration of the two airlines, customers will experience an increased schedule and BA Executive Club privileges. OpenSkies and L’Avion currently operate a codeshare with L’Avion selling seats on OpenSkies flights.

OpenSkies will also begin offering da­ily service between Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport and JFK International Airport beginning October 15.

“We’re expanding to Amsterdam because of its significance as a business and cultural capital in Continental Europe and the opportunity to bring premium service to travelers on another route across the Atlantic," said Moss.

Tickets for the Amsterdam-New York flight go on sale in early August. The flight departs from Amsterdam at 1:20 p.m. and arrives in New York at 3:35 p.m., and departs New York at 8:05 p.m. arriving in Amsterdam at 9:40am the following morning.

Visit www.flyopenskies.com.

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