British Airways to Continue Charleston to London Service in 2020

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston International Airport’s passengers will continue to enjoy nonstop air service between the British Isles and the Palmetto State in 2020. British Airways announced it will return for a second season of service, beginning next March.

Earlier this year, the carrier launched twice-weekly seasonal service between London’s Heathrow Airport and Charleston International. British Airways’ current schedule runs through October 24. Next year’s service will start on March 29.

Similar to the inaugural flights, service in 2020 will operate on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights leave from Charleston at 11:20 P.M. and arrive in London the next afternoon at 12:20 P.M. Returning flights will depart London at 5:30 P.M. and arrive in Charleston the same day at 9:30 P.M., local time.

British Airways utilizes a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 for the service. North Charleston is home to one of two final assembly lines for the Dreamliner program.

When it began in April, the London to Charleston service marked the first transatlantic passenger flight for both the Lowcountry and South Carolina.

Tickets for remaining flights this fall and next year’s service are available now at www.BA.com.

QUOTES
“The continuation of British Airways’ direct transatlantic service is great news for our state. These fl ights make South Carolina an even more viable candidate for economic development, giving us additional tools to compete in the global economy, and enhance the state’s marketability for both international business and leisure.” Bobby Hitt – Secretary, South Carolina Department of Commerce

“This is big news for tourism across South Carolina. Not only can it boost the number of international visitors to the state, it can spur new tourism investment and economic development. British Airways’ direct service is a win-win on so many levels.” Duane Parrish – Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

“Building on our existing partnership with a world-class airline like British Airways allows us to maintain a direct, convenient connection between two world-class cities. We are obviously pleased with their decision of a timely return in March 2020, as Charlestonians will begin the 350th anniversary celebration of the British settlement of Charleston. We also believe that British Airways can grow to year round service with increased frequency over time.” Helen Hill – CEO, Explore Charleston; Chair, Charleston County Aviation Authority

“To have our friends at British Airways committed to returning next spring is a testament to the strength of our relationship and the success of the inaugural service since it launched in April. We are excited to be part of the future growth that British Airways will have on international air service between the U.K. and Charleston.” Paul Campbell – CEO, Charleston County Aviation Authority

“We strongly believe in the long term viability of nonstop service from Charleston to London, and the British Airways’ decision to return indicates a shared belief. London’s Heathrow is a gateway, and it’s wonderful to know that the door to other parts of the world will remain open next year. Increased air service stimulates our economy and enhances the quality of life for citizens across our region.” Elliott Summey – Chair, Charleston County Council

QUICK FACTS
• Due to the success of the inaugural season in 2019, British Airways will operate nonstop flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and Charleston International Airport in 2020.
• The current seasonal service runs until October 24, 2019.
• The twice-weekly flight will continue to operate on Thursdays and Sundays beginning March 29, 2020.
• British Airways utilizes a South Carolina-built Boeing 787-8 for the service.

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