Next year will see some exciting developments for passengers travelling to and from London, UK. With new routes, frequencies, upgraded aircraft and enhanced cabin products, London is getting the best of what the skies have to offer. Here is our low-down for the best trips you can take from London in 2018.
Mahé, Seychelles
Direct flights with British Airways start March 24th, 2018
British Airways is commencing its twice-weekly service to Mahé in the Indian Ocean in the spring. Flying directly from Heathrow instead of the usual sunshine hub of Gatwick, the service will include all four cabin classes. Those enjoying the First Class cabin can also take advantage of the newly refurbished Concorde Room in Heathrow’s T5. For those in the Club World Business Class cabin will also be able to enjoy new bedding from the White Company and eventually the new dining service that is being rolled out across BA’s network.
www.britishairways.com
Doha and beyond
Qatar Airways introduces second daily QSuite flight from Heathrow
Qatar Airways has already had its award-winning QSuite product flying exclusively from London for a few months now, but as the airline starts to roll out other destinations, it is also bolstering its flagship product on the Heathrow route with another overnight rotation of the 777-300ER product on the popular London route. With word of the airline upgrading its London lounge, a range of new destinations on the horizon and an increasing QSuite network, 2018 seems like a very good year to be flying on Qatar Airways.
www.qatarairways.com
Dubai and beyond
Emirates New 777 products start flying from Stansted 8th June, 2018
This summer Emirates will add its 3rd London gateway destination in Stansted. Operating a daily flight on its brand new 777, customers will be enticed to try its new First Class cabin which offers a fully enclosed First Class suites including temperature and lighting controls as well as a feast of other technological enhancements. For those in business class, they will be able to use fully flat beds. This now means there are 9 flights a day from London to Dubai and beyond, with 3 daily flights from Gatwick and the 5 in Heathrow, all on their flagship A380 aircraft.
www.emirates.com
Perth, Australia
Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner service
25th March will see Qantas flying its flagship 787-9 Dreamliner flight on the longest route on its network, with the first commercial direct connection between the UK and Australia. The airline has already opened its impressive London lounge which is the perfect way to start the long journey from London to Australia. Featuring new business class, premium economy and economy cabins, the airline has invested heavily into creating the perfect long-haul environment. For those wanting to connect, the airline will also restart its one-stop (via Singapore) service on the A380.
www.qantas.com.au
Taipei, Taiwan
China Airlines direct A350 service from Gatwick
China Airlines started its multiple flights each week from London Gatwick to Taipei on December 1st 2017, however 2018 will see the carrier expand its presence. The airline is flying its latest cabin product onboard the A350 with an overnight service to Taiwan. The aircraft features its award-winning business class cabin, a luxurious premium economy cabin and affordable fares to Asia, Australia and beyond. China Airlines has ranked highly in awards for several years and now those flying from London are able to enjoy the product.
www.china-airlines.com
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Norwegian new 787 service from London Gatwick starts 14th February
Norwegian has continued its long-haul ambitions with its first South American destination. The new flight, flying 4 times a week from London Gatwick will connect passengers between the UK and the Argentinian capital. Flying on the 787, passengers can enjoy their premium cabin with cradle seats, enhanced leg-room, fast track and lounge access. With Norwegian just having its plans to fly in South America approved too means that there will soon be connecting options beyond Buenos Aires too.
www.norwegian.com
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Airlines plans to start flying to London in 2018
The middle of next year should see the introduction of a new service between Hong Kong and London. Hong Kong Airlines has been expanding in 2017, with new US services, but 2018 will see the carrier turn its eyes to London. With an award-winning Autus lounge in Hong Kong and its new A350 product, the carrier is poised to make waves with a re-entry into the London market. No details have been released yet, but passengers should expect that Gatwick will be a logical destination for the carrier.
www.hongkongairlines.com
New York, USA and other destinations
British Airways offers new dining and bedding in Club World
British Airways has certainly done a U-turn in 2017, reinvesting into a Club World product that was quickly becoming inferior to global standards. In a wave of improvements, British Airways has started their new dining concept on their New York to Heathrow flights, with other destinations to quickly come on line soon. With a new restaurant-style service and bedding and amenity kits from the White Company, the airline is working hard to re-establish itself as a competitor across the Atlantic.
www.britishairways.com
Singapore
New Singapore Airlines First and Business Class on A380 services in 2018
This year will not only see a third daily Singapore Airlines A380 service starting in July, but also the introduction of the carrier’s impressive new business class and first class products. With multiple destinations served with SIA across South East Asia and beyond, the carrier with its additional seats should make for competitive prices and an unparalleled product on the route. With double beds on offer in both Business and First Class, its the perfect carrier for travelling with a partner.
www.singaporeair.com
Tokyo, Japan
JAL now flying a second daily flight on 787
Japan Airlines has already started a second daily flight between Tokyo and London Heathrow. Offering a convenient red eye non-stop on the way to london and morning return that arrives 6:25am the following day, the airline has managed to create a schedule that works well for business travellers. Flying on the 787, passengers in business class are treated to the forward facing staggered fully-flat beds and in economy, passengers can enjoy one of the most spacious 787 configurations in the skies.
www.jal.com
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