What: Media will be permitted on the airfield and tarmac to film the landing and arrival of the inaugural nonstop flight from London Heathrow to Pittsburgh International Airport. After the landing, media is invited to baggage claim where a pop-up pub will be serving passengers food and drinks, the band Lovebettie will be performing and several other British-themed decorations, including a Big Ben cutout, will greet passengers. A brief speaking program will follow, including a British Airways representative and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis, VisitPittsburgh CEO Craig Davis and Allegheny Conference CEO Stefani Pashman.
The route is served by one of BA’s newest planes, the 787-8 Dreamliner. Pittsburgh-based companies PPG and ATI are key suppliers for the 787 and for the aerospace industry at large. Both companies will have representatives on board the inaugural flight. Read more about their role in helping secure the route here.
When: Tuesday, April 2. The flight is scheduled to land at 7:25 p.m. Media wishing to be escorted on the airfield should arrive no later than 6:40 p.m. in baggage claim. Baggage claim festivities will begin upon passengers arriving, likely just before 8 p.m.
Where: Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, Baggage Claim C.
Parking: Media may park in the usual courier lot. Please notify Bob Kerlik if you plan to park there.
Notes: The seven-and-a-half-hour flights to Heathrow will depart Pittsburgh (Flight No. BA170) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:50 p.m., arriving at 10:25 a.m. London time the next day. On the other side of the pond, the flights depart London (Flight No. BA171) at 4:10 p.m. and arrives in Pittsburgh at 7:25 p.m. on those four same days.
MEDIA ADVISORY: British Airways Inaugural Flight to PIT Celebrated Tuesday
