British Airways has launched a special service from London to New York to celebrate the 50th anniversary of transatlantic jet travel .
On the 4 October 1958, forty passengers on board a BOAC Comet aircraft became the first to experience modern jet flight across the Atlantic, flying from London to New York’s Idlewild airport, which was later renamed John F Kennedy (JFK) airport .
Two Comet aircraft flew across the Atlantic that day. The plane that left London had to stop to refuel in Newfoundland, taking a total of 10 hours 22 minutes to reach New York, while the other (flying in the opposite direction) managed a non-stop journey across the Atlantic in a record six hours 11 minutes.
Now fifty years later BA has invited Brian Barnett, one of 40 passengers from the first flight, to take part in the special anniversary service taking place this weekend.
In related news, BA has announced plans to launch a new Caribbean service from the start of next year.
Passengers will be able to catch a weekly flight from London Gatwick to the island of St Kitts and Nevis, starting 10 January 2009.
The airline said the move is indicative of its 'commitment to the Caribbean' and added the new flight will strengthen its existing position as the airline offering more services to the Caribbean than any other carrier.
BA Celebrates 50 Years Of Transatlantic Jet Flight
Thu, 09 Oct 2008
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