Tell us About The Vision Behind OpenSkies.
OpenSkes was created as a focused response to travelers seeking a high-quality transatlantic experience without the premium cost of legacy carriers. Launched three years ago, the airline set out to offer an improved product at a better price for passengers flying between the continental United States and Paris. With a two-class configuration, OpenSkies balances comfort and value: BIZ BED provides a true lie-flat seat for long-haul sleeping comfort, while BIZ SEAT delivers a wider, very comfortable seat for travelers who prefer a more traditional but roomy option. This product mix and the competitive pricing meet the needs of premium business and leisure travelers alike, with on-board catering and curated wine selections that enhance the journey. Notably, BIZ SEAT fares are roughly 50 percent lower than comparable business-class tickets on many competitors.
Each aircraft carries a maximum of 84 passengers, creating an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. This smaller capacity translates to smoother boarding, quicker immigration and customs processing, and an overall less stressful airport experience compared with larger carriers. OpenSkies emphasizes a hassle-free, differentiated customer journey that appeals to travelers who value efficiency and a more personal service.
Originally conceived as a three-class operation, the airline adapted quickly to market feedback and shifted to a more streamlined two-class model. That willingness to evolve and refine the product is central to OpenSkies’ identity: as an airline, it remains flexible and responsive to customer needs, which helps maintain a distinctive, customer-focused offering.
What Is OpenSkies’ Service Philosophy?
Shortly after launching, OpenSkies completed a fully integrated merger with L’Avion, a carrier noted for its exceptional service. The resulting service philosophy blends French and American approaches to hospitality, combining warmth, style and energy. As a small, agile operation, OpenSkies cannot afford inconsistent service; every employee—from gate agents to flight attendants and pilots—shares responsibility for delivering a consistently excellent experience. The airline’s core values—smart, colorful and connected—guide how staff anticipate and respond to passenger needs. In this view, great service is proactive: it anticipates needs rather than merely reacts to them.
Talk About Your Relationship With British Airways And The New Gateway.
OpenSkies operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways, which allows it to retain a boutique, intimate feel while offering the advantages of association with a major international carrier. This partnership brings practical benefits, such as integration with British Airways’ Executive Club frequent-flyer program, while preserving OpenSkies’ role as an innovation hub where new ideas and service models can be tested and refined.
Recent industry developments, including the BA/Iberia merger and prospective collaborations between BA and other carriers, point to additional strategic benefits for OpenSkies. Meanwhile, the airline has expanded its network: service between Washington, D.C. and Paris Orly launched on May 3. Orly’s proximity to central Paris makes it a preferred choice for many travelers, and OpenSkies’ five weekly flights from Washington offer strong appeal for both business and government passengers. Initial bookings have shown encouraging momentum.
Tell us About Your Career In The Airline Industry.
Prior to leading OpenSkies, I spent 30 years at British Airways. I was invited to join OpenSkies three years ago by Willie Walsh to help build and shape the carrier. The aviation industry has faced challenging economic cycles during that time, but the experience has been deeply rewarding. Working at OpenSkies has been a blend of excitement and challenge—full of memorable moments and hard lessons alike—and overall it has been a very positive and fulfilling journey.