Today was a big day for British Airways and a few cities in the United States. In today’s press release the flagship carrier of the United Kingdom made several announcements. The highlight of the press release is the introduction of a new route between London Heathrow (LHR) to Nashville (BNA). British Airways announced they’d be flying the 787-8 to Nashville beginning in Summer 2018.
Although, the new route to Nashville was the highlight of today’s press release (per BA) it wasn’t the only major announcement. British Airways also announced an increase in flights between London and both Philadelphia and Phoenix. Additionally, British Airways announced beginning May 2018 one of the two daily flights from London to Chicago will feature the Airbus A380 aircraft! Obviously that last bit of news is the one that matters the most, to me.
Airbus A380 To Chicago O’Hare International
Today’s announcement from British Airways is mostly exciting to me because it represents the first regularly scheduled A380 flight to service Chicago O’Hare International. As a Chicago based traveler this is quite exciting! As announced today one of the twice daily flights between London and Chicago will feature an Airbus A380 aircraft. Per the Chicago Tribune, A380 service begins on May 8, 2018. As of now, only the 5:30PM departure will feature the A380 which replaces the current 747-4 which services that route. Currently, both British Airways and American Airlines show the 747-4 as the equipment for that flight although I expect that to change somewhat soon.
With this announcement British Airways becomes the first airline with regularly scheduled A380 service to the Windy City. This however is not the first A380 visit at Chicago O’Hare International. Per the Tribune, in July of 2016, Emirates flew the A380 to Chicago for a one-time visit to test airport improvements. Prior to that visit, Lufthansa flew the A380 to Chicago many years ago as well.
For years Chicago O’Hare lacked the gate and terminal infrastructure to handle the A380. Now however, thanks to multi-million dollar renovation, Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 can now handle the Airbus A380. Going forward, the airport expects to open a second A380 capable gate. Then in 2020, Chicago O’Hare expects to open a second A380 capable runway which is currently under construction.
Great News For Chicago AvGeeks
If there’s one thing Chicago O’Hare International lacks it’s the Superjumbo. Currently a wide variety of aircraft service the airport, but the addition of the A380 is welcomed by AvGeeks and passionate travelers. Not only is the Airbus A380 fantastic to watch, it’s also an incredible ride. In years past aviation enthusiasts had to reposition to another airport to ride on the A380, now we have the ability to get on in Chicago.
This is also great news because it may lead to other carriers flying the A380 to Chicago. Most airlines only offer their best first class cabins on the A380 due to space constraints. On-board bars, private rooms, etc. are all only available on the Airbus A380 at the moment. Hopefully shortly after British Airways begins regular service carriers such as Emirates will schedule A380 routes as well so passengers won’t have to travel to Los Angeles or New York to take an on-board shower.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I think about the Airbus A380 I find it hard to believe the plane has been in service since 2007. It’s crazy to think it took 11 years for Chicago to build the infrastructure required to handle the aircraft. I’ve been on the A380 just three times now and have to say it’s an experience unlike any other. Flying on the A380 is so quiet and comfortable it’s often hard to believe you’re on a plane at all (when in First Class that is). Here’s a brief ‘review’ of my British Airways Airbus A380 experience from Los Angeles to London and back.
Overall I’m excited to finally see an airline schedule regular A380 service to Chicago, but I’m not thrilled about the scheduled time. Transatlantic flights which depart at 5:30PM CST make it difficult to sleep (in economy). It’d be better if British Airways scheduled the A380 for the later 8:40PM departure. As I mentioned earlier the A380 is not yet officially bookable, but the inaugural flight is currently scheduled for 5:30PM CST on May 8, 2018. I’ll try to check back in once British Airways officially swaps the equipment on the schedule. I’m not one for trying to fly on inaugural flights, but this one may be worth it! Especially if I’m able to book AA flight numbers and credit my flight to AAdvantage!
