British Airways launches new long-haul plane

British Airways has launched the first new long-haul plane to enter its fleet in eight years.

The Boeing 777-200ER was kitted out at the British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC) centre at Cardiff Airport and deployed on flights to Washington earlier this month.

More than 20 engineers worked on the project, equipping the plane with the airline's World Traveller and Club World products and installing its inflight entertainment systems.

Garry Copeland, British Airways' director of engineering, said: "Our engineers in Cardiff have done a fantastic job in preparing the new aircraft for service. These were some of the most complex modifications ever carried out at BAMC but once again they have risen to the challenge.

"Their work will help us to continue to deliver the high levels of customer service our customers expect."

British Airways will receive three more Boeing 777 aircraft this year and will carry out similar modifications on each plane.

The airline will also be extending its flight network in 2009, with new services being launched to Las Vegas, Sharm el Sheikh, the Maldives and other destinations.

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