British airways are starting a new route from London Gatwick to Tenerife south (Reina Sophia) airport on 31st March 2013. The new route will be competing directly with the budget airlines, easyJet, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thompson and will operate return flights 5 times a week.

The introduction of this flight brings a premier service to the island with full Business Class service available to those who want it and introduces an important niche product to the market. There will be 134 seats available on each flight and 25 of these will be Business Class.

The BA flights will reinforce flights to the island and also put Tenerife in the premium market.

BA flights include complimentary drinks and meal depending on the time of day of the flight, early morning flights include a breakfast. The hold baggage allowance is 23kgs each with unlimited hand luggage weight but the dimensions of hand luggage are limited.

BA previously flew to Tenerife from 2000 to 2008 although this was via the GB Airways franchise. For those longing for an upmarket alternative to the budget airlines this will be a welcome return.