In a recent and highly significant move, British Airways has completed the purchase of L'Avion. Most notably, this move shall pave way for expanding the fleet of its new subsidiary OpenSkies.

Earlier this month, British Airways had announced that it has serious intentions of acquiring the French business class carrier. In this connection, British Airways had submitted a bid of £54 million for the airline.

Following the purchase, the complete integration of L'Avion's Boeing 757 aircraft into the OpenSkies fleet is expected to be completed by early 2009.

Presently, the French executive carrier operates a twice-daily service connecting Paris Orly Airport and Newark Airport. This service virtually mirrors the transatlantic service offered by OpenSkies.

Interestingly, BA launched its subsidiary only during last month. On its launch, the airline was actually flying in the wind of skeptics who seriously warned that the airline would share the fate of the similar all-business-class carriers Silverjet and Eos.

By way of voicing his optimism over the completion of the said deal, OpenSkies spokesman Dale Moss observed, "This is an ideal combination of two companies that share a focus on delivering an unparalleled experience on the transatlantic journey."

Marc Rochet, L'Avion chief executive further added, "Together, our combined companies will offer a compelling premium value proposition for travellers on the New York to Paris route."

Earlier last week, BA noted that bookings with OpenSkies are far ahead of expectations, despite the troubles that prevail in the economic climate.