British Airways is celebrating the second anniversary of its business class-only flights between London and New York.

At the same time, the British flag-carrier has confirmed it will add business and first class cabins to its departures to Russian capital Moscow.

Launched in the middle of a deep recession, the New York service has defied sceptics to win over business travellers flying between two of the world’s biggest financial centres.

British Airways is using the very latest technology by providing customers with their own 64GB iPads to watch the service’s bespoke in-flight entertainment options.

Richard Tams, British Airways’ head of UK&I sales and marketing, said: “Despite the economic downturn, there is no doubt that the service has become a firm favourite with many of our customers on the important London – New York route.

The Airbus A318 aircraft used on the route operates with a maximum of 32 fully flat seats onboard and offers customers 15-minute check-in to departure and US customs clearance in Shannon, Ireland, where the flight stops westward for a brief refuelling.

The London - New York route is an important market for British Airways, which flies eight times daily to JFK from Heathrow and three times a day to Newark.

Moscow

British Airways has also confirmed customers on its London Heathrow to Moscow service will be able to sample the airline’s award-winning services in First and business class from next year.

British Airways has three return flights to Moscow Domodedevo Airport per day. 

From April 2012, this route will change from a short-haul service operated with two cabins to a long-haul operation offering customers up to four classes of travel.

No other airline currently offers such a premium service on the four-hour flight between the two capital cities.