US immigration for BA New York passengers at Shannon

British Airways has said that its business-class only flight from London’s City Airport to New York will feature US immigration clearance in Ireland when the flight stops for refuelling.

The carrier explained that Shannon Airport, in the west of Ireland, will serve not only as a refuelling port for the aircraft, but will also allow passengers to clear U.S. immigration formalities, meaning a much speedier landing process on arrival in New York.

BA added that passengers starting out from London’s financial district will save time at the London end because the City Airport can be quickly reached by train and they will not be required to arrive at the airport until 15 minutes before departure time.

“Many city workers will be able to get from desk to aircraft in as little as 30 minutes,” noted the commercial director for British Airways, Robert Boyle.

The plan for this twice-daily service for business passengers was announced in January of this year, using Airbus A318 aircraft, with a single aisle and only 32 seats.

Autumn of 2009 will see the launch of the new flights, which will be the only long-haul service offered at London City Airport. The airport typically serves shorter-haul European flights.

BA currently operates 10 daily flights between Heathrow Airport and New York, and one daily flight from London Gatwick to New York.

www.britishairways.com