British Airways will make Amsterdam the second base in continental Europe for its subsidiary OpenSkies, with a daily service to New York due to begin on October 15.
BA launched OpenSkies from Paris Orly to New York JFK in June. On Friday it completed the purchase of French all-business class carrier L’Avion, which it will incorporate into OpenSkies, for a sum of £54 million.
L’Avion also operates from Orly, flying twice a day to New York Newark.
BA will operate the pair alongside one another, giving it three services a day from Orly. It plans to integrate the airlines by early next year.
Unlike L’Avion, OpenSkies operates with a three-cabin service – business class, premium economy and a small economy section.