Eighty years ago this month British Overseas Airways Corporations’ (BOAC) first commercial landplane service arrived in New York’s LaGuardia from London Airport. The flight took nearly 20 hours via Shannon and Gander and was operated by a Lockheed Constellation 049.

Since that inaugural flight in 1946 by BOAC, the airline has been at the forefront of transatlantic travel, operating the supersonic Concorde for more than 50,000 flights, inventing the lie-flat business bed and building one of the world’s most enduring and extensive transatlantic networks. From early long-haul crossings to today’s modern fleet and extensive network, British Airways has continuously evolved while staying true to its commitment to service and a unique British experience.

New York – the airline’s first US destination – remains at the hub of its global network today and the airline now serves 27 destinations across the United States, connecting millions of customers each year for business, leisure and major global events.

Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, said: “Reaching 80 years of flying to the United States is a truly proud moment for British Airways. From our very first flight between London and New York to the comprehensive network we operate today, our commitment to connecting people, cultures and commerce across the Atlantic has never been stronger.

“This year is especially significant as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary and plays host to a global football spectacle.  We are proud to be bringing fans and travelers together for these historic moments, while continuing to invest in our customer experience to shape the future of transatlantic travel.”

BTN caught up with Jeffrey Yau, Vice President of Travel Trade & Aviation Industry, USA at VisitBritain to gauge his feeling son this amazing milestone from a British perspective:

1 Why is it increasingly important to encourage visitors to explore beyond London?

London remains one of the world’s great gateway cities and is often the first stop on an international visitor’s journey. Our focus is on inspiring visitors to extend that journey and discover more of Britain’s incredible diversity. From vibrant cities and historic towns to stunning coastlines and national parks, exploring beyond London allows visitors to experience even more of what makes Britain special. It also helps spread the economic benefits of tourism to communities across the country while encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

2 Which regional gateways are seeing the strongest growth and why?

We’re seeing strong interest in gateways such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle, supported by excellent connectivity through British Airways’ network. Each offers visitors a distinct sense of place—from world-class cultural experiences and sporting events to access to stunning coastlines and countryside. Having more convenient entry points into Britain also gives travelers greater flexibility when planning their itineraries, whether they’re arriving through London or starting their journey elsewhere.

3 What are some of the hidden gems and emerging destinations that international visitors should discover?

One of Britain’s greatest strengths is the diversity of experiences available across its regions. Visitors are drawn to vibrant cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle for their world-class sport, music, and culture, while also seeking the landscapes, outdoor adventures, and heritage experiences that can be found across Scotland, Wales, and England. We’re also seeing growing interest in authentic food and drink experiences—Birmingham, for example, is celebrating 50 years of Balti cuisine this year!

4 How are new hotel openings, attractions and tourism investments supporting regional growth?

Investment in hotels, attractions, and tourism infrastructure is helping destinations across Britain continue to evolve. New accommodation, cultural experiences, and visitor attractions give people more reasons to visit, while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Looking at Manchester alone, there are several big brands with new openings including The Medlock - Radisson Blu Hotel, which is set to open later this year, followed by Nobu Hotel Manchester and W Manchester, both slated for 2027.

It’s that continued investment that helps keep Britain’s tourism offer fresh, competitive, and relevant for travelers from around the world.

5 How important is the US market to Britain’s visitor economy today?

The United States is Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound tourism market. American visitors make a significant contribution to the visitor economy, and their connection with Britain runs deep through our shared history, culture, heritage, and contemporary experiences. It remains a priority market for VisitBritain, and we’re focused on continuing to inspire more Americans to visit, stay longer, and experience more of what Britain has to offer.

6 How are sustainability and responsible tourism influencing travel across Britain’s regions?

Sustainability and responsible tourism are increasingly important to how travelers think about where they go and how they experience a destination. For Britain, it is about encouraging visitors to explore in a way that benefits local communities, supports regional economies, and helps protect the places people have come to enjoy. We recently launched the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map of England last year, which complements the Meaningful Travel Map of Scotland, with a map of Wales to come later this year. The map helps travel advisors, the wider travel trade, and individual visitors discover unique, bookable experiences that are rooted in local communities and have a positive impact. Ultimately, we want to inspire travelers to slow down, stay longer, explore beyond the most familiar places, and make choices that contribute to the long-term health of Britain’s visitor economy.