British Airways' Austin-London route appears to be a hit

Ben Mutzabaugh | USA TODAY

When British Airways began flying to Austin in March 2014 , the Texas capital became one of the smallest U.S. metro areas to have nonstop service to Europe. Any fears that the region might not be able to support the flight to London can now be put to rest.

British Airways confirmed Thursday that it will boost capacity on its London-Austin route starting Oct. 25, switching from a Boeing 787 Dreamliner to a bigger Boeing 777-200. British Airways' Dreamliners seat 214 passengers while the carrier's 777-200s seat up to 280.

The carrier says it's doing so to meet demand.

With the switch, British Airways also will be adding first-class service to Austin. The carrier's Dreamliners have three classes of service (business, premium economy and economy). The 777s British Airways will put on the Austin route will have those cabins, plus first class.

"We're delighted with how the Austin service is performing and in response, are investing in the premium experience for our customers," Sean Doyle, British Airways' Executive Vice President, Americas, says in a statement. "Our private First class cabin is known for its exceptional comfort, fine wines and a la carte dining. I'm sure it will be a big hit with our customers."

British Airways began flying to Austin on March 3, 2014, giving the city its first-ever regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic service. BA's launch of service was a major event in Austin, where the day was officially dubbed 'British Airways Day' by Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.

The 2014 launch of the route also was a shot in the arm for U.S. jetmaker Boeing and its ballyhooed 787 Dreamliner — the world's first passenger jet to be made primarily of carbon composites instead of the traditional aluminum and steel.

From the launch of the 787 program in 2004, Boeing pledged that the lightweight Dreamliner's modest size and fuel efficiency would open up potentially hundreds of new long-haul international routes that would previously have been money losers.

"London Heathrow to Austin is exactly that kind of route," Randy Tinseth, Boeing's vice president of marketing, said at the time.

In Austin's case, it appears that British Airways was able to use the Dreamliner to test and develop the market, switching to the bigger 777 once it became clear the London-Austin would be a money maker.