Walsh confident of new route to London City Airport

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways's parent, has said the airline is not phased by the promise of intense competition on its latest route out of Ireland.

British Airways is launching a Dublin to London City Airport service from Sunday October 26th, joining long-time operator, Cityjet and regional airline, Flybe, which is also close to beginning flights on the route.

Mr Walsh acknowledged that the market would be competitive, but added that British Airways was confident it would survive. Mr Walsh, chief executive of International Airlines Group, was in Dublin to launch the route last night. He said that demand for flights from both business and leisure travellers to London City was growing.

British Airways flies to 26 European destinations from the airport, allowing it offer a greater number of connections than its rivals.

It is offering a lead-in fare for the service of €39.