This week saw the first British Airways flight to Tenerife south for over five years. The BA flight includes a business class service and has been welcomed by the Tenerife authorities. It will encourage wealthier visitors from the UK to Tenerife, which it is hoped will improve the islands reputation as a high class destination which the tourist board on Tenerife are keen to promote.

The BA flight from London Gatwick will operate five times a week, the first flight was sold out months ago and shows there is a demand for a more exclusive service to compete with the low cost, no frills service of the other carriers from the UK.

The new service will appeal to the 4 and 5 star hotel visitors and the higher end of the tourist market.

The BA service includes free seat selection, complimentary food and drinks service, 23kg luggage allowance, no weight restriction on cabin baggage, 34” leg room and use of BA’s exclusive check-in and baggage security scanning areas, making for a quick and hassle free start to your holiday.

There is also the option of upgrading to the business class service. The flights are also operating at a civilised time leaving Gatwick at 1pm and arriving in in Tenerife at 5pm and will operate Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

BA and the Tenerife Tourist board have teamed up to promote the island in a marketing campaign to include posters and social media campaigns.

The UK provides Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, with the most tourists every year with 1.5 million visitors.