Comment from Bob Atkinson on British Airways' financial results released today

Published:

06/11/2009

Topic:

Press Release,Travel

"This is one of the most significant days in British Airways' (BA) history. Over the last 90 years the airline has never made a loss in the first six months of the financial year.

"The "world's most iconic airline" has a huge mountain to climb to overcome its losses and impending strike action. We implore management and staff to sort out their differences and restore confidence in BA customers around the world, as well as in the UK.

"BA is in the process of a huge cost reduction programme, and the ongoing effect on customers is likely to be significant:
 

• BA is cutting routes and aircraft resulting in less choice for customers, changing plans for those with existing bookings and potentially higher fares
• BA has also been forced to introduce charges for services such as seat selection and is setting strict baggage limits, again increasing customers costs 
• Changes such as reducing the catering offering on long haul services and removing food on European flights after 10am is impacting on the customer experience and service quality levels
• New working practices for cabin crew due to be enforced from 16 November, possible staff strikes and the legal challenge by the cabin crew union all mean unrest for customers - why should they book when they don't know what is going to happen to their flights?
  

"We predict another rocky six months for BA. The winter period is always tougher financially, and therefore it is almost certain there will be a full year loss. Should staff strike it will be an incredible blow to the airline, its brand, its passengers and its bottom line - not to mention long term staff prospects."

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