British Airways has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-10, approximately 6 months later than initially planned. The latest delivery comes amid difficult times for the aviation industry which has been hit hard as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
G-ZBLA pictured on landing into London Heathrow for the first time. Photo by Karam Sodhi | AeroNewsX
The newest aircraft is registered G-ZBLA and is the first of 12 Boeing 787-10s that the carrier is expecting. The aircraft was supposed to have been delivered in January, however that was pushed back significantly. The plane flew over from Boeing's Charleston facility in the United States to British Airways' London Heathrow headquarters.
British Airways' Boeing 787-10s feature 256 seats comprising 165 in Economy Class, 35 in Premium Economy, 48 in Business Class and 8 in First Class. It's interesting to note that while many airlines are slowly turning their backs on First Class cabins, British Airways remains committed.
Photo by Karam Sodhi | AeroNewsX
The International Air Transport Association estimates record losses for the airline industry this year .In fact, the organisation predicts the industry will lose a record USD84 billion. However, the worst of the coronavirus' effects on the travel industry were felt in April and ever since, things have begun to improve. Earlier this week, we noted significant recovery milestones that were hit in both Asia and Europe.
However, this recovery will continue to be slow. The IATA believes that a return to profitability in 2021 would be 'difficult,' predicting USD16 billion in losses.
.jpg)
Comments