By Kenneth Ehigiator

LAGOS – Summer 2011 will see the joint business between American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia deliver more benefits to customers as schedules are coordinated across the North Atlantic and more destinations are launched.

A statement signed by the British Airways said it would, beginning from March 27, partner with American Airlines to effectively create a transatlantic shuttle service between the top US-UK routes by aligning the timing on their schedules.

According to BA, the biggest change is on the Heathrow–New York route.

It noted that previously, of the 11 daily flights to New York, five left Heathrow at almost exactly the same time, leaving gaps of up to three hours between services.

BA said: “Now flights will depart every hour, on the hour between 1pm and 8pm from Heathrow. There will also be a maximum of only an hour and a half between morning departures.

“Chicago flights inbound to London previously had four flights departing the Windy City at similar times around 5pm and 8pm. Now the flights will be evenly spaced, departing at around 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. The 9am and 9.45pm slots will remain as they were.”