After purchasing L’Avion, British Airways has been trying to better align the French business class carrier with OpenSkies, the Englang-based BA-owned business/premium economy carrier.

It’s taken several months to get things going, but we’re starting to see some progress. Travelers on OpenSkies and L’Avion will now have access to more of the premium perks that BA frequent fliers are used to:

“All customers flying L’Avion will be able to earn British Airways Executive Club miles effective December 2nd. When flying on OpenSkies in PREM+ and on L’Avion, 125% of the actual flown mileage will be awarded. When flying on OpenSkies in BIZ, customers will continue to receive 150% of the actual flown mileage. L’Avion customers will be able to enter their BA Executive Club number into bookings made via the L’Avion website or through their travel agent.” (from PR Newswire)

Perhaps even more important than extra miles and increased club access, is the codeshare agreement that is set to take place between OpenSkies and L’Avion. The agreement (set to take effect early next year) will expand service between New York and Paris, increasing flights to three daily.

Another business-class-only airline will soon be gone. L’Avion, the carrier that offers “business class, French style” between New York and Paris’ Orly Airport will be purchased by British Airways.

L’Avion joins fellow former business class airlines MAXJet, eos, and Silverjet in the “little airlines that couldn’t” category. Rising fuel costs, decreased demand for business class travel, and pressure from larger carriers have made the “premium airline” space a tough market to navigate, and this latest casualty further demonstrates how difficult it is for the “little guy” to compete in a struggling industry.

The move from British Airways seems like a logical one. It’s fledgling OpenSkies (an airline heavily focused on business class and premium economy travel) operates a Paris - New York route, and it can’t hurt to get the competition out of the way.

BA will pay $107.3 million USD for L’Avion, and will incorporate the privately-owned French carrier into its OpenSkies unit.

With British Airways behind it, OpenSkies may survive in the niche air travel market, but the departure of L’Avion coming on the heels of other business-class-only airline collapses may be the final nail in the coffin for what the folks at Gadling refer to as “the small, proud airline.”

Visit Gadling and Reuters for more details on British Airway’s move to purchase L’Avion.

L’Avion, the airline that provides “business class, French style” has a limited time offer for summer flights from New York to Paris. If you want to see Paris in all of its summer glory and you want to fly there in luxury, now is the time to act.

You’ll find business class airline tickets for as low as $1,469+ R/T, and you’ll get to enjoy all of the perks L’Avion has to offer. Keep reading for a glimpse of what “business class, French style” really means…

Last week, we took a look at the business class luxury on L’Avion. Well, the French-based carrier is making a push to get American business travelers to take notice.

Recent PR from L’Avion highlights everything from their bilingual staff to the comfort and cuisine that they feel sets them apart from other international business class carriers, big and small.

Keep reading for a taste of that je ne sais quois that makes L’Avion different…

Want to fly to France in style, without paying top dollar?

Then the French airline L’Avion may be just what you’re looking for. How’s this for a deal in Business Class: Newark to Paris, round trip for just $1,319 (excluding taxes and fees).

Keep reading for a list of luxuries, and other deals.