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.
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