British Airways to begin flights from London to Cancun

British Airways (BA) will be offering a new direct flight from London to Cancun, operating twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flight will operate from Gatwick Airport, considered the second largest and busiest in England. The inaugural flight will depart on November 3 at 1245 hours and arrive in Cancun at 1745 hours. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, will cover the route offering a choice of three cabins, including Business Class. British Airways will also be offering inclusive package holidays for its customers.

Richard Tams, head of UK & Ireland sales and marketing, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, commented: “We’re delighted to be the only UK-scheduled airline offering direct flights to Cancun.” He also added, “It’s the perfect addition to our Gatwick longhaul premium leisure network.”

Mr. Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome BA to our shores. The destination offers internationally-renowned luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, golf courses, award-winning spas, and is also the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula, with its Mayan ruins and ancient history. We have so much to offer the European visitor.”

The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau noted that the new route is part of the results achieved from its promotional efforts in the UK, in conjunction with its marketing agency, Axis Travel Marketing. These activities included their participation at the World Travel Market last year, where they resumed negotiations with British Airways to pursue the implementation of a new scheduled flight from the UK.

In 2009, the Cancun Hotel Association reported more than 50,000 British tourists with the total European arrivals reaching 153,000. A significant increase in visitation is expected with the launch of this new service.