BWIA gets second A340 aircraft

BWIA West Indies Airways welcomed its second A340-300 aircraft to home base in Piarco yesterday, completing a fleet renewal exercise that started in January 2000 with the delivery of the first B737-800 of the new fleet.

The wide-body A340, in active service with Virgin Airways until recently, comes to BWIA with a high-end interior treatment including stylish decor and individual video monitors for each of the 40 first class as well as 215 economy seats. Commenting on the arrival of the aircraft this morning, general manager Nelson Tom Yew said: “This aircraft marks a turning point for the airline. It is central to improved reliability and on-time performance on our UK routes and BWIA can now consider expanding its operations into Europe. “This acquisition is key to route expansion whether through new routes or by adding service such as a second weekly Manchester flight or a new Port-of-Spain to London nonstop flight, these are all things that can now be possible.” The aircraft will be in full commercial service in a few weeks.