British Airways moves Moscow flights to Domodedovo Airport

British Airways is to move its Moscow operations from Sheremetyevo II to the city’s modern, state-of-the-art Domodedovo airport on 01 July 2003.

“Domodedovo offers maximum levels of customer comfort, excellent transfer services and increased speed and flexibility,” said Daniel Burkard, British Airways regional commercial manager Eastern Europe, based in Moscow. “We will move to a modern, user-friendly airport with a high level of customer appeal. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, a good infrastructure, excellent transfer services and easy accessibility. The terminal displays an open, well-lit and spacious environment.

“Our decision was driven by the airline’s commitment to high customer satisfaction both in the air and on the ground.”

British Airways’ services at Domodedovo will include dedicated check-in facilities, fast exclusive immigration, customs and security channels as well as short walks to the aircraft. Business class passengers and members of the Executive Club can use the airline’s exclusive Club Europe and Executive Club Lounge, with 250 square metres of comfortable space.

“The new airport’s current infrastructure will allow British Airways passengers to start experiencing the airline’s international service standards even before they board their aircraft,” said Daniel Burkard. “BA customers can even check in for their flight at Paveletskiy Station in the centre of  Moscow, where they receive their boarding passes. Then they board the Airport Express, a non-stop train running every half hour, with a journey time of just 40 minutes. Luggage will be carried in sealed containers and taken directly to our aircraft at Domodedovo,” he said.

“We will maximise Domodedovo’s groundbreaking infrastructure with the introduction of British Airways’ latest information technology, called IMAX, which will enable us to smoothly move our entire operations overnight, without any interruption to our 14 weekly flights,” said Burkard.

Domodedovo International Airport is the largest and fastest growing Russian airport with the country’s most modern passenger terminal. The airport also has a recently renovated four-star hotel with 294 rooms, a restaurant, solarium, massage facilities, sauna and a fully equipped gym.

“While we have enjoyed many years of excellent cooperation with Sheremetyevo, we believe that the new airport building will better serve British Airways’ passengers, allow us to fulfil our 21st century travel commitment and the airline’s medium and long-term commercial objectives,” said Burkard.