BA’s all-business European subsidiary OpenSkies will launch a new route from its Paris base to Washington DC in May.

The new route – which launches on May 3 – is the airline’s second after Paris Orly to New York – Newark.

A B757-200 will initially operate five times a week, increasing in frequency over the coming months.

There had been speculation that OpenSkies would launch services from Amsterdam and Milan, but these plans have been put on hold due to a drop-off in demand during the economic downturn.

The airline’s chief executive Dale Moss said: “The increasing cachet of Washington DC has created a demand for unique, premium travel options at competitive rates.

“Travellers want to receive better value, which means they want better products at better prices – and that’s just what we offer.

“By presenting greater value than traditional business class, OpenSkies will provide the Washington D.C. metro area with a new and better way to travel to Paris in style.”

The airline launched in 2008 as a direct result of the liberalisation of air routes between Europe and the US.

It currently offers 17 flights a week from Paris Orly to Newark in a specially-configured aircraft with just 72 seats in a two-class cabin in a 2-2 configuration.