American plans nonstop Phoenix-London flights

American Airlines will begin offering daily nonstop flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor to London Heathrow beginning March 31. American joins British Airways as the only airlines offering nonstop service between the two cities. Customers will be able to book the flight beginning Monday.

The number of airlines flying nonstop from Phoenix to London will double next spring. To two.

American Airlines will fly daily from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to London Heathrow Airport beginning March 31. The new service will give residents greater access to the United Kingdom and beyond.

Customers will be able to book the flight beginning Monday.

American joins British Airways as the only airlines offering nonstop service between Phoenix and London. The two will continue their joint partnership, meaning travelers booking a PhoenixLondon nonstop can do so with either airline.

American’s daily nonstop between Phoenix and London will run March 31Oct. 26. The departure time has yet to be determined. Also no word on fares, but visitors to British Airways’ website will find prices of the Phoenix-London route between $1,200 and $2,400 round trip for economy class, not including fees.

Passengers on the new flight will board a Boeing 777-200 with 273 seats divided into three classes: business, premium economy and main cabin. Each seat will be equipped with Wi-Fi and and entertainment screens.

Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams welcomed the news of expanded international service at Sky Harbor, saying it was many years in the making.

“Today’s announcement is a reflection of the strength of the Phoenix economy, and one that only promises to make it stronger,” she said.

The new service indicates a growing international demand out of Sky Harbor. Last summer, British Airways boosted its service out of Phoenix, adding a second daily flight three times a week. In addition to its daily 7:45 p.m. departure from Phoenix, the carrier also offers a 5:10 p.m. flight on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays through Oct. 26.

The 5:10 p.m. flight arrives in London at 11:10 a.m. the next day, and the 7:45 p.m. departure arrives at 1:40 p.m. the next day.

Through June, international traffic at Sky Harbor was up 2 percent this year compared with this time last year, though it makes up just 5 percent of total traffic, according to airport figures.

International flights to and from Phoenix bring in approximately $3 billion a year.