British Airways has placed its Airbus A350 back on the Heathrow - Madrid schedule. During the first week of October, one of British Airways' Airbus A350 is scheduled to operate a twice-daily rotation to the Spanish capital.

British Airways took delivery of its first Airbus A350 just under a month ago. While the aircraft, G-XWBA, is currently flying to Madrid, this is set to change. From the 2nd of September, the aircraft will make its long-haul debut flying to Dubai. Then, from the 2nd of October, it is also due to start flights to Toronto in Canada.

Gamechanger for British Airways

The Airbus A350 is a real game-changer for British Airways, The largest unique feature is the new Club Suite cabin on offer for business class passengers. However, the aircraft also offers passengers a lower cabin altitude, in addition to onboard WiFi delivered with the aircraft.

The aircraft's Club Suite cabin sees every passenger offered a lie-flat bed, with a privacy door to shut themselves off from the rest of the cabin. Additionally, it sees the current 2-4-2 layout replaced with a less cozy 1-2-1 layout within the business class cabin.

British Airways, Airbus A350, Inaugural Flight
The Airbus A350 has a brand new suite in business class. Photo: British Airways

October Madrid flights

British Airways has scheduled an Airbus A350 on a twice-daily rotation to Madrid for the first week of October. What is interesting about this is the timing. The schedule confirms that British Airways expects to have their second A350, G-XWBB, by the 1st of October. This is as the A350 is also scheduled on Toronto flights during the week in question.

According to Information first spotted by Rob at Head For Points, the flights will take place between the 1st and 7th of October, mimicking the current training schedule. This will see the following flights offered:

  • BA456 will depart London Heathrow at 06:20, before arriving in Madrid at 09:20.
  • BA 457 will then depart Madrid at 10:55. It is scheduled for a 12:15 arrival at Heathrow.
  • After four and a half hours on the ground in Heathrow, BA 464 will depart at 16:45, before arriving in Madrid at 20:05.
  • Finally, BA465 will depart Madrid at 21:20, arriving back in Heathrow at 22:25.
British Airways, Jet Fuel, Household Waste
The second British Airways Airbus A350 should enter service on October 1st. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

As always, it is important to stress that flights are always subject to change. With this in mind, any bookings specifically to fly on the Airbus A350 should be made with caution. Passengers were already disappointed earlier this month when the aircraft was temporarily grounded following a go-around.

British Airways told us that while the aircraft is due to fly to Madrid in October, they are currently unable to confirm the exact schedule as it "remains fluid to operational demands".

Where else will the A350 fly?

Following its long haul debut on the 2nd of September, G-XWBA will fly to Dubai until 30th of September. Following this, British Airways is due to start daily Airbus A350 flights to Toronto on October 1st, alongside their daily Madrid flights. However, from the 8th of October onwards, BA will resume Dubai Airbus A350 flights. Following this, flights are due to commence to Tel Aviv and Bengaluru as subsequent aircraft are delivered.

Have you flown on the British Airways A350? Let us know what you thought in the comments!