British Airways is resuming its direct service from London Heathrow to Osaka Kansai service, which it previously operated until October 1998 using Boeing 747 aircraft. Japan Airlines had also operated this service in the past. This is fantastic news for travellers in both Osaka and London, as there hasn't been a direct service for a long time.
From 31 March 2019, British Airways will operate the Boeing 787-8 aircraft on this route 4 times a week. The economics of the 787 is well suited for this long thin route, able to sustain lower passengers compared with the Boeing 747. BA019 departs London Heathrow at 1420 and arrives at Osaka Kansai 0950 the following day, while BA020 departs Osaka Kansai at 1130 and arrives at London Heathrow at 1550.
The new route takes the number of daily flights between London and Japan offered as part of British Airways’ joint business with Japan Airlines up to 32 per week, and will add to the 7 per cent growth in traffic between Japan and Europe last year. This will also add to the oneworld global network, with added frequent flyer redemption opportunities. For example flyers on the kangaroo route between Australia and London can now fly via Osaka, opening up another city for a stopover.
Sale fares in May and June 2019 are available from £598 return, making it a great time to see the springtime festivals in Kyoto, as well as the peak of the lily and hydrangea flower season in Yoshimine-dera. From Kansai Airport, there are multiple options to travel to Kyoto.
