British Airways purser Stacey O’Dell swapped an aircraft cabin for a lifeboat bridge when she visited the island to give out early Easter eggs during a publicity stunt for the airline.
Stacey and teams of colleagues from the airline went on a tour of the island to hand out more than 2,000 eggs to mark British Airways’ new increased flights to London City Airport.
The airline {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/ba-to-cut-flights-from-island-to-london-1-5812178|dropped its three-times-a-day service} last year and cut it to once.
That led to fears that the business community would be cut off from easy access to the English capital, especially after Flybe also announced it was pulling out of Gatwick and its four-times-daily service to the island from the end of March.
Now British Airways is flying three times a day to London City from Ronaldsway, after the service was underwritten by island-based software company Microgaming.
When BA staff called in to surprise the crew at Ramsey Lifeboat Station last week they were invited in for a tour of the station and the lifeboat itself.
Matt Round, British Airways’ ‘sales partnership manager’ for the UK regions, said: ‘It was a very hectic day, but when the station manager invited us in for a look at their operation we just couldn’t resist. They do a fantastic job and it was a privilege to be able to see first hand what they do.’
Stacey, who flies on British Airways flights from London City Airport, added: ‘This was the highlight of a fun and busy day. I really enjoyed seeing the Isle of Man for myself and meeting some interesting people.’
During the day Adam Carson, managing director of BA CityFlyer, and Bernard Lavelle, London City Airport sales director, headed teams of British Airways staff who drove round the island handing out specially-branded Easter eggs to local residents, business and travel agents.
They were promoting the new three-a-day return flights between the Isle of Man and London City Airport which increased at the start of the summer schedule. They also hosted an evening event at The Sefton Hotel in Douglas.
With the improved schedule commuters now have the opportunity to do a full day’s business in London and still be home in the Isle of Man by evening, while leisure customers have a choice of flights, many connecting with British Airways’ extensive network of European destinations from London City.
All inclusive one way hand baggage only fares from the Isle of Man to London City are available from £65. All British Airways flights include free on-line check-in and seat selections 24 hours before departure, complimentary snacks and drinks on board and no debit card fees.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/three-daily-flights-to-london-city-ready-to-book-1-6375286|Flashback: Three flights a day confirmed}
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/british-airways-easter-egg-publicity-stunt-1-6547025|Last week’s story about the Easter eggs publicity stunt}