CRAWLEY, England, September 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

For the first time, customers on British Airways' London Heathrow to Moscow service will be able to sample the airline's award-winning services in First and business class from next year.

The changes were announced during a UK trade delegation to Russia hosted by Prime Minister, David Cameron, alongside several major British business leaders.

British Airways has three return flights to Moscow Domodedevo airport per day.  From April 2012, this route will change from a short-haul service operated with two cabins to a long-haul operation offering customers up to four classes of travel.  This means customers will have the opportunity to enjoy the airline's fully flat-beds, comprehensive in-flight entertainment and sample a wide selection of meals and drinks in unrivalled comfort. No other airline currently offers such a premium service on the four-hour flight between the two capital cities

Sir Martin Broughton, chairman of British Airways, who accompanied David Cameron to Moscow to represent British business, said:  "We are proud to have been flying to Russia for over fifty years. It is an important and growing market for us and we want to reflect our commitment to the region and our customers by enhancing our services and increasing the number of seats that are available to Moscow."

British Airways has close ties with leading Russian airline, S7.  The two airlines are members of the oneworld alliance and launched a code-share agreement earlier this year which means that customers can experience a seamless service between the UK and many destinations in Russia, transferring at Domodedovo airport.  Both airlines' customers benefit from competitive through fares, co-ordinated schedules and excellent customer service.  It is hoped that the codeshare agreement will be expanded in the coming months so that even more parts of Russia will be linked by air services to the UK.

About British Airways:

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SOURCE British Airways