British Airways has released a video of  a cockpit video showing the approach into London City Airport to celebrate the airline’s business-class only service completing 25 million miles.

British Airways was the first airline in the world to take delivery of the specially modified A318 with steep approach capability and the carrier’s pilots have a specific, additional training certification to fly there.

The video shows British Airways Captain Karen Atherton and Senior First Officer Paul Riglar at the controls of one of the airline’s specially modified A318 aircraft which enable it to perform the steep approach required at London City Airport.

Captain Karen Atherton, said: “The views flying into London are breathtaking, and are a constant reminder of what an incredibly beautiful city it really is.

“The level of training required is demanding, and rightly so, but the flying is extremely rewarding.

“I have one of the best commutes home in the world, and it’s great to be able to share the experience with our customers with this video.”

The airline began flying its twice-daily Club World (business class) only service between London City Airport and New York JFK with two A318 aircraft in September 2009.

Due to the airport’s proximity to Central London, and because of its slightly shorter runway, the A318 aircraft is specially modified to allow it to fly this approach, using spoilers on the wing to produce enough aerodynamic drag to maintain the approach speed.

The flights use the airline’s old Concorde flight designation numbers – BA0001, BA0002, BA0003, BA0004 – to reflect the premium nature of the service.

To watch the video, see below

ba.com