British Airways to expand U.S. network with new Oakland flights

British Airways is presently focusing on expanding its network in the United States. The airline has announced launching of flights services to three new destinations in the U.S. Media reports said that UK’s national carrier has disclosed its plans to launch flights to Oakland from London Gatwick in March next year.

According to the reports, British Airways will start operating four times per week flights between London’s Gatwick Airport and Oakland International Airport starting from March 28, 2017. Oakland will now become the airline’s third new U.S. destination after Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans to be announced since October 20. However, Oakland will in fact be the airline’s 25th destination in the U.S. to be served so far.

The airline will be operating flights to New Orleans from London Heathrow, while the flights to two other U.S. destinations – Fort Lauderdale and Oakland – will be served from London Gatwick. It may be noted that London Heathrow is the airline’s main hub, and it also maintains a significant presence at London Gatwick as well.

A spokesperson of British Airways said that Oakland route will now become its first ever to California from London Gatwick. The airline is also currently operating flights to San Jose and San Francisco as well. With the launch of flights to Oakland, British Airways will also become the only airline in Europe to offer flights services to all the three key airports of the “Bay Area” metro region.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Head of Commercial at Gatwick Airport, said, “It is a matter of great delight that travel options to California is being opened up in the Gatwick area. British Airways wants to become Number 1 carrier in Europe to offer services to the Golden State.”

Moreover, British Airways is also set to face major challenge from the fastest-growing European discount carrier Norwegian Air, which also operates flights services to Fort Lauderdale and Oakland from London Gatwick. Norwegian Air has also made London Gatwick as one of its major hubs.