British Airways has become one of the first airlines in Europe to launch an app for Windows 8.

Customers can swipe from one feature to the next, as well as select and read destination reviews, view local weather temperatures, search locations via interactive maps, view user generated destination guides through the Perfect Day service, book flights via ba.com and be inspired by cabin product films.

The app will provide customers who have downloaded the app with inspiration to fly to scores of worldwide destinations whenever they use a Windows 8 device.

The app takes advantage of unique features within Windows 8 including the Share and Search charms, which allow users to access content in the app from across the PC and share instantly.

The app also features easy to use navigation, stunning images, interactive maps, the latest fares and travel snippets from customers with ‘insider advice’ from destinations they’ve flown to using British Airways Perfect Day social media and mobile service.

Richard Bowden, British Airways’ digital marketing innovation manager, said: “Our relationship with Microsoft continues to excite, because of our shared desire to innovate and use technology to explore new ways to improve the customer experience.

“We believe our new integrated app delivers an exciting experience to users of Windows 8, giving British Airways customers a new way to explore and book the destinations we fly to every day.”

The new app echoes the fast and fluid new Windows 8 user interface, available across a variety of devices and the new range of touch-enabled tablets, ultrabooks and convertible devices.

In addition, the tiles on the Start screen automatically update to show the latest prices, images, and weather temperatures of a favourite destination, so the user doesn’t have to open the app.

John Richards, senior director of Windows App Marketing for Microsoft Corp, said: “The new British Airways app is a great example of the innovative and engaging apps available in the Windows Store.

“We are pleased the British Airways app takes advantage of the unique features of Windows 8, such integration with the Search and Share charms and automatic updates through tiles.”

Last year, British Airways was first UK airline to offer Mobile Boarding to Windows Phone 7 users.

The app provided instant access to tailored information about British Airways flights direct from the app’s home screen, providing real-time updates throughout the customer’s journey.

The new app, which is available to download from the Windows Store, forms part of a £5 billion pound investment made by the company in new aircraft, technology and services to make travel more comfortable and more convenient for customers.