Plans by British Airways to establish a low-cost offshoot at Gatwick have been cleared for take off by the aviation regulator.
BA Euroflyer plans to serve more than 30 destinations next summer, including Bari, Dubrovnik and Seville. Flights priced from £39 each way have gone on sale.
The new arm was launched in March under the BA’s Air Operator’s Certificate, marking the return of international short-haul flying by the carrier from Gatwick following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The wholly owned subsidiary has now received its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and Operating Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority.
The approvals enable the airline to begin the transition of aircraft, flight crew and cabin crew to BA Euroflyer.
Ten Airbus A320s and nine A321s will be gradually transferred to BA Euroflyer over the next six months to operate in a two-class configuration.
Flight crew and cabin crew will attend an operator’s conversion course, obtaining a formal licence to specifically operate BA Euroflyer aircraft.
Passengers receive a “generous” baggage allowance, water and snacks, free seat selection and frequent flyer benefits which include lounge access. Customers flying in Club Europe business class have a premium check-in area, lounge access and a meal and bar service on board.
The new brand operates in a similar manner to BA Cityflyer at London City airport.
BA Euroflyer acting chief executive Tom Stoddart said: “Receiving the AOC is a momentous day in the BA Euroflyer journey and is testament to the hard work of the brilliant teams that have worked closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the AOC and Operating Licence applications, whilst also managing the ramp-up of a start-up airline during its first summer of operations.”