Las Vegas NowBritish Airways Direct Flight to Las Vegas Seen as Economic Boost

British Airways Direct Flight to Las Vegas Seen as Economic Boost

LAS VEGAS, Nv. -- It was a welcome fit for a queen. Las Vegas unrolled the red carpet for British Airways executives to show them their investment in tourism in the valley will pay off.

"This is critical to us. This is a wonderful first step. I hope they put on additional flights before too long," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

British tourists represent the third largest segment of international travel for Las Vegas. British Airways CEO Willie Walsh sees more customers. "It's not just about connecting London to Las Vegas, our flights from London Heathrow connects Europe to Las Vegas," he said.

So far he says this has been the most successful launch in British Airways history with the amount of bookings from Europe to Las Vegas. "I think this is a good time for us to launch this. I think it's also very much a case where we want to be present and established when things start to improve. I think things will improve in due course," he said.

Walsh says the world will start to see an economic recovery by the middle of next year and he thinks Europeans will want to travel to Las Vegas.

Clark County Director of Aviation Randy Walker says airlines cutting back trips to Las Vegas and new terminal three opens up space for the British Airways 777. "I think this will bring more foreign tourists to Las Vegas because it will make it easier for people to get here," he said.

"I think it's important at times like this that you continue to invest. We see this as an investment for the future," said Walsh.

Walsh is betting the leisure travel future of British Airways on Las Vegas. "Vegas is definitely going to be a destination for the future and when things recover we want to be established here," he said.

The British Airways CEO says he wants to add a second daily flight to Heathrow, but wants to see how strong the bookings are first.