The flights to start May 4, 2016, will be the first direct link between San Jose and London. San Jose will become British Airways’ fourth destination in California; it already serves Los Angeles (LAX/KLAX), San Francisco (SFO/KSFO) and San Diego (SAN/KSAN).

San Jose aviation director Kim Becker said London has been “the number one requested international destination” by San Jose passengers.

The 787-9 operating on the route will be configured with 218 seats including eight in first class, 42 in business class, 39 in premium economy and 127 in economy. British Airways expects to take delivery of its first 787-9 in September. It currently operates eight 787-8s.

The route news comes on the heels of Delta Air Lines announcing it will launch flights between Salt Lake City (SLC/KSLC) and London-Heathrow in May 2016.

(Aaron Karp - ATWOnline News)