UK-India FTA to boost economic ties; British Airways to increase weekly flights to India by winter

New Delhi: The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to unlock new business opportunities and deepen bilateral economic engagement, prompting British Airways to expand its operations in the Indian market. The airline will increase its weekly flights to India from 63 to 70 during the winter schedule, reflecting growing confidence in the strengthening economic ties between the two countries, British Airways General Manager David Wright said.

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement came into effect on July 15.

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Speaking to ANI, Wright highlighted the UK-India Free Trade Agreement as a "landmark agreement" that can bolster the economic ties between the two countries, unlocking business opportunities.

Noting India as one of the most important markets for the airlines, he said British Airways looks forward to opportunities to deepen its relationship with India.

He further stated that the airline is planning to increase its weekly flights to India by winter. "As the UK's flag carrier, we currently fly 63 times per week into India, and we are looking to grow that and will be up to 70 flights per week by this winter."

Wright said British Airways remains focused on connecting customers, businesses and communities across India with the UK and its wider global network, and looks forward to supporting the trade and investment opportunities expected to emerge from the free trade agreement.

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"This trade agreement is going to affect the relations of the countries in economic terms also, but this will affect the people-to-people connection also, be it in terms of education, cultural exchanges and other things," he noted.

Highlighting the airline's long-standing presence, he noted that British Airways has been serving India for over a century and has witnessed the deep cultural ties between the two countries firsthand.

He added that aviation plays a vital role in facilitating trade, investment, tourism and education, while strengthening people-to-people connections. "So as a free trade agreement comes into force, I think it's very much just growing on the strong foundations that exist today," he noted.