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The way I look at it, you’re not an official airline until you’ve flown your first passenger. Thursday, June 19, 2008 marks a very special day for us. We took off from Orly airport in Paris a few minutes earlier than our scheduled 10:55am departure—with a full cabin and crew—and arrived at JFK Airport in New York City that afternoon. Our first ever flight!
I’d like to personally congratulate everybody who dedicated their days into making this day possible. Without you, I would have nothing to write about!
If you remember, over six months ago, we announced an ambitious plan. When I glance back at that post, I’m elated to see how many of the ideas have been fully realized. We have created and are delivering an experience that’s been designed around what customers want. Our unique cabins are exactly as we proposed. Our dedication to elevated customer care has been carried through, and continues. And our goal of flying in June was accomplished yesterday.
This historic moment was greeted with celebrations on either side of the pond. In Paris, a gate-side ribbon cutting was attended by Patrice Hardel, Orly Airport Manager; Franck Le Gall, Orly Terminal South Manager; and Christophe Grandsart, Orly Terminal South Operations Manager. In New York City, a press conference and welcome ceremony (complete with a water cannon salute) made us feel right at home. Gerry Spampanato, Deputy GM, JFK Airport and Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President, were on hand at Terminal 7’s gorgeous Concorde Room for the reception. And NYC & Co.’s Fred Dixon, SVP for Tourism Development, was also there to officially declare June 19th as OpenSkies Day for The City of New York. How’s that for a warm welcome?
Now that we’re flying, there will be more to blog about than ever. Check back with us often. I can’t wait to share route announcements, in-flight service news, pictures of our interior. But I shouldn’t be the only one writing! When you fly us, we’d love to hear about your experience and there has never been a better time to book. Our official launch offer to Paris has been extended to July 4th. Book now and fly in PREM+ luxury for a remarkably affordable fare.
See you on board!
Dale
June 21st, 2008 at 4:03 am
Big congrts to Openskies! best wishes and all the lucks to openskies! can’t wait to fly with u guys soon!
June 21st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Congratulations on the launch and successful first flights. When will we know the roll-out schedule? (Ad concept: “This is not a hub-and-spoke system.”)
Bon courage!
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hi,
I’m not sure I get the whole: “This is not a plane,…” campaign.
I am though very interested in the proposition of creating a class in between traditional business class and what I would call affordable business class (especially during the summer).
I am a small business owner, I used to travel with Air Franc a lot in my previous job, and quite frankly can’t afford it anymore, since this is coming out of my pocket now.
I would though like to see more pictures of your pane, crew etc… before making a decision.
I generally travel at least once a month back and forth to Paris. The fact that you’re affiliated to BA definitely is a big plus.
Anyway, congratulations on what you’ve been able to do so far, and believe me there is a market, it’s just a matter of getting the word out there.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Congratulations to Mr. Moss and company on the launch, certainly a daring undertaking in the current environment. Best wishes for success.
Perhaps I can answer Stan about the campaign. This is not a plane, this is not a passenger distinguishes Open Skies from any other airline service. This has taken on greater importance given the turmoil in the airline industry today, when the traditional carriers are struggling with increased costs, fares and declining service (not to mention surly passengers as a result.) Meanwhile, the three or four competitors of Open Skies flying only business class between the US and Europe have folded, due to the same financial problems.
Flying to Orly instead of CDG is an advantage, in my opinion. It’s much easier to get to and from Paris that way.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Greetings,
It is a delight to read of the launch of this premium service airline from British Airways.
I see that the inaugural flight to New York was received at the Concorde room at Terminal 7. Will this be the usual departure / arrival lounge for OpenSkies? I had the pleasure of the experiecing this room prior to a Concorde flight to London in April, 2003.
Lastly, I realize that Boeing is experiencing production delays with its new 787 Dreamliner. I understand that BA has some 787’s on order? Any possibility, perhaps in 3 years, that OpenSkies may switch from 757’s to 787’s?
With my best regards and congratulations!
Mylan
June 24th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
At least we’ve got a truly flat bed to NY! Well done Openskies…! Oh, and I can’t wait to try those Laduree snack boxes as well!!!
June 24th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Well I just went to the openskies web, and it is much more expensive than other airlines? I tried to book in restricted ecconomy up until june 09 and it says sold out, it is a bit like ryan air, from 0.99 and you end up paying the same as if you fly with a non low cost airline.
June 28th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Would love to experience open skies. I’m a school teacher and the price is a bit steep. Anyone willing to treat me to a great airline experience? Let me know. Cheers.
PS I Love BA having flown you a few times while living in Singapore