This weekend marked the inaugural flight of the relaunched year-round daily service from London Heathrow to Barbados on British Airways after a hiatus of more than 15 years. The airline’s four-class Boeing 777-200 safely landed in Bridgetown on Saturday 17 October to a warm Bajan reception, with the Royal Barbados Police Force Band playing the arrivals off the plane.
Cheryl
Carter, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director for the U.K. was on
board, leading a delegation of 19 British travel agents and media who are on
island to experience the destination and share their experiences with
travellers back home. On receipt of their second negative COVID-19 test, the
group’s itinerary will immerse them in the heritage, culinary and soft
adventure landscapes of Barbados, from catamaran cruises to tours of historic
Bridgetown, and dining at a number of the island’s best restaurants.
Carter
commented that “We were so excited to welcome the inaugural British Airways
flight from Heathrow to Barbados on Saturday. The aircraft featured brand new
livery throughout as well as the new BA Club Suite. It was over 80% full, with
families, remote-workers and couples hugely excited to escape the coming winter
and see a bit of sun!
This
service will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with its seamless
connections across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and of course from major
markets on the European and African continents, during what has been a
tumultuous year. With our new entry procedures in place, balanced against the
low case numbers seen on the island, Barbados promotes the wellbeing of all;
and we are confident that it is a safe place for travellers globally to enjoy
the sun, sea and sand and authentic experiences they may have been missing this
year.”
Making
its comeback just in time for the busy October half-term period, the service
will boost the already daily flights from London Gatwick, which run from
October 2020 until April 2021. Celebratory touches, such as a complimentary
glass of champagne for all travellers were enjoyed on the flight and the
necessary protocols of hand sanitisers and mask wearing were enforced
throughout the flight.
Journalist
Renate Ruge, who was also aboard, remarked that “the excellent service expected
from BA didn’t disappoint – cabin crew remembered small details like tea or
coffee preferences despite a busy plane. The seating options including business
class and first with two larger luxury cabins promised extra comfort, especially
for the return night flights.”
Fellow
writer, Albert Evans, agreed. “While in normal circumstances the flight would
have felt crowded in light of the pandemic, the fact everyone on the plane had
a negative test put my mind at ease. The arrival in Barbados was
characteristically warm and the additional bureaucracy caused by COVID was
dealt with quickly and efficiently. The UK could certainly learn a thing or
two.”
Melanie
May, a writer for the Irish Independent, joined the flight and noted, “With its
afternoon departure, it makes it very easy to get a connecting flight from
Ireland. From Dublin to London to landing in balmy Barbados, every step of the
way was seamless and safe. The many safety protocols in place felt reassuring
and the crew should be commended for ensuring a safe travel experience for all
passengers.”
Chelsea
Cousins from Northern Ireland Travel News agreed and added, “Connecting from
Belfast City to Heathrow and then on to Barbados was quick and straightforward
with complete comfort and exceptional customer service from the cabin crew.”
– eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News Online
