KANSAS CITY - St. Louis is getting back a Transatlantic airline route we haven't had since the days of TWA.
British Airways and leaders from across the region announce a nonstop flight from Lamber Airport and London's Heathrow Airport will begin next year.
So what changed to finally make St. Louis an attractive market for British Airways? Their Senior Vice President Gloria Chow-Vanderwell tells KMOX two factors played a major role.
"We are not able to make this possible without St. Louis's partnership," says Chow-Vanderwell, adding "the demand is there... all these things together, it just lined up."
That partnership includes a financial incentive. The St. Louis Port Authority is providing $4,500,000 incentives over the first three years of the flight.
The flights will initially begin season with the hopes of going year round. What does British Airways need to see to agree to keep the flights going all months of the year?
"One of the things that we really look at is what is the potential," says Chow-Vanderwell "the potential of bringing financial benefits, connecting people, what does the network look like?" She adds it is typical of British Airways to start small when choosing a new destination.
Our airline analyst Mike Boyd for years has been saying, now that Lufthansa is well-established with a direct flight to Frankfurt Germany, there's room for another, and he pointed to British Airways.
He says the route should be a success right from the first take-off, both in terms of ticket sales and revenue. While Lufthansa is popular for those going to Eastern Europe and Asia, Boyd says British Airways should be popular with those connecting around Western Europe.
That first flight will take place on April 19th. The route will run four days a week, with flights taking off on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays. Tickets are on sale now.