British Airways is to launch a service from Gatwick to the Peruvian capital Lima.

The airline will roster a three-class B777 on to the route, which will begin on May 4 and operate three-times weekly during the summer and twice-weekly in the winter.

The flights will provide the only direct service between London and the Peruvian capital, a hub for BA's Oneworld partner LATAM that will provide onward travel connections.

On Wednesdays next summer, outbound flight BA2239 will depart LGW at 1350 and land in Lima at 2025, with return flight BA2238 leaving Lima at 2155 and landing in London at 1615 the next day.

On Fridays and Sundays, BA2239 will depart LGW at 1155 and land in Lima at 1830, with BA2238 leaving Lima at 2000 and landing in London at 1420 the next day.

From October 30 next year, the twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Lynne Embleton, BA's managing director at Gatwick, said: "It is great to be the only airline to offer direct services between London and Peru. Lima is a fantastic gateway to some of the most dramatic places to visit in South America and will also provide a new link for British business seeking to invest in Peru's growing market."