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First planes hit the tarmac in new British Airways route linking London with Silicon Valley

The first flights from the new British Airways flight route between Heathrow and San Jose have taken off, providing the capital’s tech industry with a direct daily link to the US West Coast.

Announced last August, planes from the maiden journey on the 10 and a half hour flight between London Heathrow Airport and Mineta San Jose International Airport hit the tarmac this week.

British Airways already runs routes to three other destinations in California, but the new San Jose leg will significantly cut down journey times between London and the Silicon Valley Capital, as well as add an estimated $100m (approx. £69m) to San Jose’s economy.

It is reported that the airport made a number of concessions to encourage the airline to support the new direct air link, including the waiving of landing fees, gate fees and ticket centre fees for the next two years.

At the time of the announcement, Sam Liccardo, San Jose’s mayor, commented: “London is the number one requested international destination from Mineta San José International Airport, and we’re pleased to now offer it to business and leisure travelers in our region.

“British Airways’ new service is the first of four international flights we will inaugurate in the next few weeks, reflecting the growing importance of the Silicon Valley region globally.”

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