Thu Apr 06, 2017 2:42 pm
I see from Flightrader24 that the aircraft spent around 23 minutes taxiing before departing LGW'
Later, after turning south over the northern end of the Isle of Harris, it completed circuits to the west of Glasgow, over the Peak District and then over Lancashire before heading back to LHR. The total flight time was three hours, thirty-seven minutes.
According to the Media Centre on the BA web site the purpose of the flight was to launch the improved BA Premium Class product. This includes the new so-called 'First Wing' in LHR T5, available for use by F Class passengers and BA Gold and oneworld Emerald Card holders. It also includes new catering. Google 'British Airways First Wing T5' or go to the BA Media Centre for images etc.
There is no indication why it was an LGW-LHR flight. There was only a couple of hours between its arrival at LGW and its departure on the Press Flight. However it this unusual routing could be because of the LHR slots used.