Officials announce expansion of New Orleans direct flights
18th September 2017 · 0 Comments
By Sharon Armstrong
Contributing Writer
In 2016, according to officials, more than 11 million passengers passed through New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport – an increase of almost four percent from 2015’s 10.7 million figure.
This year, the airport hopes to build on that record-breaking number by expanding its services to include a number of new direct flights from New Orleans to both international and domestic destinations.
Starting in October 2017, British Airways will add a fifth day to its current four-day non-stop route from New Orleans to London. In November 2017, Spirit Airlines will add four non-stop flights to New Orleans from Boston, Newark, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Tampa. Starting in April of next year, Southwest Airlines will add its very first direct international flight from New Orleans International Airport to Cancun, Mexico.
“By going five days a week, the flight to London essentially becomes a daily flight,” said President & CEO of GNO, Inc., Michael Hecht. “This is expected to lead to more business activity and expansion in the New Orleans region, as well as more conventions and tourists, all of which will directly and indirectly lead to more jobs for New Orleanians.”
British Airways will be operating a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner, one of the newest aircrafts in their fleet. Each of the Dreamliner’s 214 seats is equipped with widescreen TVs, an entertainment system capable of connecting with passengers’ devices, and an in-seat chat system for talking to family or friends on the flight. The aircraft is divided into three cabins with 154 seats in World Traveler (economy), 25 seats in World Traveler Plus (premium economy), and 35 seats in Club World (business). Passengers can enjoy complimentary meals, beverages and a free checked bag.
Based on an analysis by LSU economist Dr. Jim Richardson, increasing the number of direct British Airways flights from New Orleans to London from four days a week to five days a week could result in an increase in state tax revenue for Louisiana of approximately $1.4 million – raising revenues from $5.6 million a year to up to $7 million a year.
“It is impossible to overstate the benefit the British Airways nonstop to London will bring to our business, convention and tourism sectors,” said Hecht. “In terms of jobs, we can also expect to see up to a 25 percent increase in all direct services related to the new flights, which would include ground and counter services.”
Described as “another example of the growth at the Louis Armstrong International Airport” and “game-changing development” for New Orleans’ economy and culture, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a press release earlier this year:
“I’m thrilled to see non-stop service to London coming to New Orleans for the first time. This new flight is a testament that our city is fully connected with the global community to help leverage both business and leisure opportunities.”
According to British Airways Vice President of Brand Communications and PR Caroline Niven, the potential increase in new visitors could be by as much as 25 percent.
“There are more than 40 people looking after the operation and commercial aspects of British Airways service in New Orleans,” said Niven. “We work closely with our handling agents to ensure staffing levels are optimal for the flight schedule.”
New Orleans International Airport now provides services via 17 airlines to 59 nonstop destinations, including eight international destinations that include Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Panama and the Dominican Republic.
With approximately 150 departures daily, 2018 is expected to see the airport services expanded further, with the opening of a new, 35-gate terminal to replace the current building.
“We provide a broad range of ticket options across three unique cabins,” said Niven. “Ticket prices are competitive and vary depending on time of year, day of week, level of flexibility, among other factors. We are delighted with the performance of our new service between New Orleans and London.”
This article originally published in the September 18, 2017 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
