History of OpenSkies

  • In January 2008, British Airways announced the name of its new subsidiary airline flying between the United States and Europe, OpenSkies. The name celebrates the first step towards a liberated US/EU aviation market, the EU–US Open Skies Agreement that allows airlines to fly between any US and EU destination starting March 2008.

 

  • In June 2008, the airline was launched as a brand of BA European Limited and began to fly between Paris – Orly and New York – JFK, with a fleet of only one Boeing 757 transferred from British Airways. Although the initial plan was to operate premium class only flights, the first flight included a very small economy class section of 30 seats in the rear of the aircraft. The economy class was eliminated in favour of more premium economy seats in October 2008.
  • In July 2008, British Airways bought L’Avion, a French airline that was operating business class-only long-haul service between Paris – Orly Airport and New York – Newark Airport. L’Avion’s fleet of two B757s was converted to OpenSkies’ specifications.

 

  • In April 2009, Open Skies completed its merger with L’Avion, becoming BA OpenSkies. When L’Avion was integrated into OpenSkies, Newark Liberty International Airport became an additional destination.

 

  • In August 2009, OpenSkies suspended its route from New York-JFK to Amsterdam Schiphol due to economic reasons.

 

  • In January 2010, OpenSkies shifted all its flights from JFK Airport to Newark Liberty Airport.

 

  • In June 2010, OpenSkies, which was operating as an all-business class airline, added to its network a new route between Washington and Paris, but the service was suspended in October 2011.

 

  • In 2012, OpenSkies reintroduced economy class in June, returning to a three-class product on its only route between Paris – Orly and New York – Newark, with 66 Eco class seats added to the existing two-class layout. The airline became an affiliate member of oneworld in December.

 

  • In March 2013, OpenSkies returned to JFK with a daily round-trip service between New York JFK and Paris Orly. This new service brings OpenSkies to three daily services between Paris and New York, currently OpenSkies’ only route.

 

  • In July 2015, OpenSkies opened a new lounge in Paris. Located just a few steps from the OpenSkies boarding gates, right after the Hall 3 security checks, the new lounge, named 212 Orly West (a reference to the Manhattan area code 212), is designed to resemble a modern New York City loft. Access to the new premium business class lounge is only available to OpenSkies Biz Bed and BA Club Europe passengers, BA Executive Club Gold & Silver Members and oneworld Emerald & Sapphire card holders.

 

  • No fatal accidents involving OpenSkies were registered so far.