British Airways has released a cockpit video showing the final approach its Airbus A318s make into London City Airport, to celebrate the carrier’s Business Class only service clocking up 25 million miles.
The footage shows the view from the cockpit as the jet passes over a series of London landmarks, such as The Shard, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Captain Karen Atherton and Senior First Officer Paul Riglar are at the controls for the video.
Because of the airport’s proximity to Central London and its short runway, BA’s A318s are specially modified to allow them to fly the approach. The jets use spoilers on the wing to produce enough aerodynamic drag to maintain the approach speed. British Airways was the first airline in the world to take delivery of an A318 with steep approach capability and the carrier’s pilots have a specific, additional training certification to fly there.
Atherton is one of only 27 British Airways Captains qualified to carry out landings at London City. Only very experienced Airbus pilots can apply to fly on the route, and all must pass a rigorous extra training programme, involving simulator testing and route flying, before being accepted into the fleet.
Atherton, said: “The views flying into London are breathtaking, and are a constant reminder of what an incredibly beautiful city it really is.
“The level of training required is demanding, and rightly so, but the flying is extremely rewarding.
“I have one of the best commutes home in the world, and it’s great to be able to share the experience with our customers with this video.”
The twice-daily Club World service between London City Airport and New York/JFK has been operational since September 2009.
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