British Airways to buy France's L'Avion

British Airways is to acquire the French business class carrier L'Avion for £54 million, it emerged today (July 2).

The UK's national carrier is planning to use the French fleet of Boeing 757 jets on routes operated by its new subsidiary, Open Skies - including Paris Orly Airport to New York JFK (as reported by Cheapflights).

L'Avion was the last surviving executive carrier - following the demise of rivals MAXJet, Eos and Silverjet - and analysts say BA's interest in it bodes well for the otherwise foundering sector.

BA abandons call for airports sell-off

British Airways has dropped its support for the break-up of BAA, saying such a move would harm prospects for a third runway at Heathrow.

The airline's chief executive, Willie Walsh, had called for the airport regulator to be disbanded in 2006, but he has now written to the Competition Commission (CC) opposing such a move.

In April, the CC itself warned that BAA's ownership of several UK airports amounted to a monopoly in Scotland and south-east England.

BA denies waning commitment to Scotland

British Airways has denied accusations that it is scaling back its operations in Scotland.

Some business groups have claimed that the national carrier is dropping Heathrow links to major Scottish airports in order to free up slots for more lucrative long-haul services.

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce points to BA's recent axing of its "red-eye" 6am flight from Glasgow to the London hub, which had been popular among business travellers.

BA ups fuel surcharge on premium seats

British Airways has increased the fuel surcharge levied on passengers who travel on its premium classes.

As part of the new tiered system for calculating fees, people flying in First Class, Club World and World Traveller Plus will pay up to £24 more per flight than those in economy.

The revised system mirrors one recently rolled out by Virgin Atlantic and marks the third time as many months that the airline has upped its fuel charges in response to the spiralling cost of oil.

OpenSkies gears up for inaugural flight

BA's new business-class subsidiary, OpenSkies, is to begin flying from today (June 19).

The first service taking to the skies will be the airline's Paris Orly to New York connection, and according to a spokesperson bookings for the route are "going well and are ahead of projections".

OpenSkies has been offering a promotional fare to US flyers, with premium economy seats starting from $750 (£380) plus taxes one way.

BA gears up for next stage of T5 transfer

Operations at London Heathrow Terminal 5 will come under the spotlight again today as BA moves the first batch of its long-haul flights to the new facility.

The national carrier came in for heavy criticism after the bungled launch of T5 two months ago, when baggage handling problems virtually ground its services to a halt.

Highlighting the embarrassment caused by that debacle, David Frost of the British Chambers of Commerce told The Financial Times: "BA and [airport regulator] BAA must work harder this time round."

Increase in fuel surcharge from British Airways

British Airways has announced another increase in the fuel surcharge it adds to flights and it comes just weeks after a similar hike at the beginning of May.

The airline has said the surcharge for short haul flights will increase by £3 per flight to £16, or £32 for a return ticket, coming into effect on all tickets sold from June 3.

BA flights moving to Terminal 5 in two phases

British Airways is to complete the relocation of its long-haul flights from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 in two stages.

In announcement made yesterday (May 28) on its official website, the carrier said that had reached its decision together with airport operator BAA.

A number of the remaining long-haul flights will be moved on September 17, 2008, including those to destinations such as Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Philadelphia and Mexico City.

BA predicts 'challenging' year ahead for aviation industry

The ensuing problems of the global credit crunch are causing trouble for consumers and businesses alike, and it seems that the aviation industry is not going to escape without experiencing some difficulty.

With fuel prices continuing to rise and the US economy teetering on the verge of a recession, the coming year looks set to be a bumpy ride for airlines.

That is according to British Airways, which has asserted that the current economic climate is going to make the next few months rather difficult for a number of carriers, least of all BA itself.

Chief executive Willie Walsh made his comments earlier this week at an investor presentation in New York, indicating that he believes there will continue to be mergers and bankruptcies this year.

BA tops UK airline website poll

British Airways has the UK airline industry's best-performing website, according to a new survey.

The league table published by search-engine-optimisation company NetCallidus also found that the UK's second-largest airline, Virgin Atlantic, sat at just fifth place.

That placed it behind low-cost carrier rivals such as easyJet in the poll, which compared airlines' market share by turnover to their online traffic levels.

Green light for BA subsidiary OpenSkies

OpenSkies, the BA-owned transatlantic subsidiary, has been granted permission to commence flying between Paris Orly Airport and New York JFK.

The airline will begin taking bookings for the new service shortly via travel agents and its website flyopenskies.com.

US department of transportation officials gave the green light for the route late last week - one of the most significant steps since the EU/US Open Skies treaty came into effect in March.

BA denies Walsh successor rumours

British Airways has dismissed speculation that the new chief operating officer it is seeking to hire could replace Willie Walsh as the firm's chief executive.

The airline is currently recruiting for the newly-created role after two of its most senior executives stepped down in the wake of the bungled launch of Terminal 5.

Whoever is selected to fill the position will have some 20,000 staff under their control and analysts had speculated that the figure could be groomed to succeed beleaguered Walsh.

More long-haul BA flights move to T5

British Airways is to begin a phased transfer of several of its long-haul routes to Terminal 5 next month.

Issuing a joint statement with airports operator BAA, the airline confirmed that from June 5 eight long-haul destinations will be moved over to T5.

The affected routes are New York JFK, Abuja, Bangalore, Beijing, Cairo, Cape Town, Lagos and Phoenix.

Walsh admits 'calculated risk' over T5

The chief executive of British Airways had admitted that he took a "calculated risk" in pressing ahead with the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5.

Appearing before the Commons Transport Committee, Willie Walsh said he had seriously considered delaying the launch, but decided against doing so due to financial and logistical concerns.

His acknowledgment comes alongside a temperate admission of guilt from BAA chief executive Colin Matthews, who apologised "unreservedly" but claimed that he had not been made aware of several key issues.

BA seeks alliance with US airlines

British Airways has confirmed that it is looking at forging an alliance with two rival US airlines.

A statement issued by the airline last night (April 30) read: "British Airways is exploring opportunities for cooperation with American Airlines and Continental Airlines."

While the precise nature of such an alliance has yet to be disclosed, analysts say it would most likely hinge on synchronising fare and frequent-flyer policies as well as coordinating schedules.

BA launches new Hyderabad route

British Airways is to begin operating a new service to Hyderabad from London Heathrow.

From October 28, the UK's national carrier will be flying to the Indian city five times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The new service will depart from Hyderabad at 7.30am local time, landing at London Heathrow at 1pm GMT. On the return journey it will leave the UK at 1.30pm GMT, arriving at 4.25am local time the following morning.

BA to raise fuel surcharge

British Airways has announced that the fuel surcharge on its long and short-haul flights is set to rise.

The operator is hiking the fee by as much as £30 to cover the growing cost of kerosene that it attributed to "continuing high oil prices".

Under the new pricing scheme - which comes into effect on Friday (May 2) - passengers will pay a one-way surcharge of £15 on long-haul flights of more than nine hours.

BA introduces new Docklands to Dublin service

British Airways is introducing a new service from London City Airport to Dublin this summer, as well as increasing the frequency on some of its routes.

The airline announced that from June 1 it will be operating flights between the Docklands airport and the Irish capital three times a day.

It will also provide an additional second daily service between London City and Nice from September, as well as further services linking the airport to Edinburgh.

BA increases JFK service, drops Manchester

British Airways has announced it is to increase services between New York JFK and Gatwick, but at the same time drop its link to the US city from Manchester Airport.

The carrier has said that from October 27 it will start daily flights to JFK from Gatwick, boosting capacity from London to JFK to 62 flights a week, with 55 already going from Heathrow.

Undelivered T5 suitcases return to the UK

Luggage that went missing during the opening of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 is returning to the UK today (April 17) after it was transported to Italy for sorting.

British Airways has admitted that several hundred bags are returning after failing to be reunited with their owners, whom had finished their holidays and business trips before they could be reunited with their luggage.

BA directors 'will be leaving company', says airline

BA has confirmed that two of its senior executives are to part ways with the company following the troubled launch of Terminal 5.

The airline announced today (April 15) that Gareth Kirkwood, director of operations, and David Noyes, director of customer services, would be leaving.

A spokesperson declined to say whether the pair had volunteered to resign or were asked to leave.

New T5 delay announced by British Airways and BAA

British Airways and BAA have today (Friday, April 11) announced that the planned move of long-haul services from Heathrow's Terminal 4 to the newly opened Terminal 5 is to be delayed even further.

In a joint statement, the airline and the airport operator said that the original March 30 move date has now been pushed back until June this year.

Both organisations said that they are hoping to eradicate any problems relating to baggage handling and flight cancellations before the move is officially implemented.

BA and BAA bosses to face Terminal 5 enquiry

British Airways bosses and airport operator BAA are due to face a House of Commons enquiry into the opening of Terminal 5.

The House of Commons Transport Committee will hold a one-off session to hear evidence on the recent problems at the terminal, to be held on May 7.

"Representatives of airport and airline staff, BAA and British Airways will give evidence to the committee," MPs confirmed.

First full day of flights for Terminal 5, says BA

British Airways announced today (April 8) that it would be operating its first full day of service at Terminal 5 since its opening on March 27.

A total of 34 flights were cancelled yesterday as a result of the knock-on effects of weather disruption on Sunday, when 60 flights were laid-off. Both runways at the airport were also closed briefly while the tarmac was de-iced.

Terminal 5 chaos costs BA £16m

The recent difficulties at Terminal 5 since it opened last week have cost British Airways, its sole occupier, around £16 million, the airline has said.

Due to the cancellation of more than 400 flights since the terminal opened on March 27, the price-tag of re-booked flights, baggage sorting costs, hotel bookings and lost revenue from travellers choosing to fly with other airlines, has wracked up for the airline.

Analysts at Deutsche Bank have forecast that problems at Terminal 5 will continue into the summer and cost the airline around £150 million.

BA sends T5 bags to Milan for sorting

British Airways is sending thousands of bags to Milan in an effort to clear the backlog that has been causing chaos at Terminal 5.

An airline spokesperson explained that it would be "quicker for bags with European mainland addresses to go to Milan for sorting".

Currently, around 400 volunteers are working at Terminal 5 to try to deal with the luggage, which is estimated at 19,000 bags.

BA issues new apology for Terminal 5 disruption

British Airways issued a new statement today (March 27) apologising for the chaos caused by baggage delays at Terminal 5 yesterday.

The airline's chief executive Willie Walsh said that he took "responsibility for what happened", adding "the buck stops with me".

"Yesterday was definitely not British Airways' finest hour. We disappointed many people and I apologise sincerely," he said.

British Airways’ new summer routes to Europe

British Airways has announced that it will be launching several new routes from London Gatwick.

Destinations include Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Genoa, Gibraltar, Ibiza, Malaga, Malta, Palma, Paphos, Poznan and Tunis with all routes except a selection beginning operation on March 30.

Check flight details ahead of T5 move - British Airways

© BAA Heathrow

Passengers should check which terminal they will be departing from ahead of British Airways' staggered move to Terminal 5 over the next few months.

The first flights to move on March 27 will include all of its domestic and European routes, except for journeys to Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Nice and Helsinki.

Long-haul services to and from Johannesburg, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Miami will also transfer to Terminal 5 on March 27, along with flights to and from Tripoli.

The majority of remaining intercontinental flights will move on April 30, except for routes to Singapore, Sydney and Bangkok.

BA pilots won't strike during Easter holidays

Strike action over the Easter holiday period by British Airways' pilots has been ruled out by the union body representing them in a dispute with the airline.

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) has said it will not take industrial action during one of the busiest times of the year for flights, saying its problems are with British Airways and not the general public.

Jim McAuslan, BALPA general secretary, said: "Our row is not with the travelling public who will have worked hard for their Easter break."

BA hits out at CAA's airport charges increase

British Airways has responded angrily to the Civil Aviation Authority's decision to allow BAA to increase airport charges.

The carrier has described the increase as a demonstration that the airport regulation system has failed "to the detriment of customers".

Charges at Heathrow airport will rise by 23.5 per cent above inflation in the first year from April 1, 2008, increasing a further 7.5 per cent above inflation each year between 2009 and 2013, said BA.

Talks with BA pilots break down

Talks between British Airways and the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) have broken down, raising the prospect of strike action in the coming weeks.

Union officials and British Airways management had agreed to talks overseen by arbitration service Acas, but the two sides have failed to come to an agreement.

The discussions come about after BA pilots, who are members of BALPA, voted to take industrial action over a dispute relating to claims that British Airways would employ lower-paid staff for its new OpenSkies subsidiary.

BA and pilots begin talks over strike action

Talks are due to begin today (March 3) between British Airways and the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) in a bid to prevent planned strike action.

The discussions come after BA pilots, who are members of BALPA, voted to take industrial action over a dispute relating to claims that the airline would employ lower-paid staff for its new OpenSkies subsidiary.

BA boss calls for Heathrow decision to 'focus on the facts'

The chief executive of British Airways, Willie Walsh, has called into question several of the arguments against further expansion of London Heathrow.

Ahead of the end of the public consultation today (February 27) on the plans for a third runway, he called for the decision-making process for the development to be based on "hard facts".

Among the arguments Mr Walsh made were the economic benefits that a new runway would bring to the UK, with it being used by both British business travellers and foreign visitors, keeping important routes at the airport.

BA calls for flexible runway use at Heathrow

British Airways has called for changes to the runway system utilised at London Heathrow Airport in the event of high winds.

The airline has claimed that the airport's practice of confining arrivals to one runway at a time can lead to flight delays in adverse weather conditions.

Instead it has called for the introduction of a similar method to that used at nearby Gatwick, where arrivals and departures are allowed on the same runway, arguing that this allows arrivals to be maintained at a constant rate in windy weather.

BA issues reassurance over Heathrow to Aberdeen service

British Airways has moved to reassure businessmen in Aberdeen about the future security of the city's service to London Heathrow.

Local business leaders have complained that the route has suffered from numerous reliability problems recently, claiming that delays and cancellations are affecting their firm's links with the capital, The Press and Journal reported.

However, a spokesman for BA told the newspaper that the recent problems were due to adverse weather conditions, before going on to issue reassurances that the airline has no plans to change its current seven-times daily service between the two destinations.

Talks to take place over BA pilot dispute

British Airways pilots have said they are willing to enter into negotiation with management to find a resolution to a dispute over the launch of BA's new transatlantic service.

Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) supported calls for strike action over fears that the new BA service, called OpenSkies, would see pilots offered lower wages and be used as a way to drive down salaries across the board.

But in a joint statement British Airways and Balpa said they had a "strong desire" to see a peaceful resolution and that calling on a third party to help in the negotiations was the preferred way forward.

British Airways increases fuel surcharge

Long haul passengers on British Airways face an increase in the cost of their tickets after the airline announced an increase in its fuel surcharge.

BA ha said that passengers will face an additional £5 for each long haul flight of less than nine hours, increasing the price of a single journey from £48 to £53.

While those people travelling on journeys of more than nine hours will have to pay £128 for a return flight, after a £6 increase on single tickets from £58 to £64.

BA to end London City to Milan service

British Airways has announced the imminent end of its service between London City Airport and Milan.

The route, which operates to the Italian city's Malpensa airport, will be withdrawn from service on Monday, February 25.

Citing operational reasons as the basis of its decision to end the service, BA revealed that the route would still operate on several key dates, advising passengers to check their website, www.britishairways.com, for schedules.

BA aims to make Heathrow terminal 'an art-lover's destination'

British Airways has announced plans to enhance the passenger experience at the new London Heathrow Terminal 5 with the installation of art works in its premium lounges.

The airline, and its partners Artwise Curators, have commissioned emerging artists and designers to deliver eight new art works, to be located in a new £60 million suite of lounges.

Among the new installations are a 22-metre long art wall, developed by Troika, that includes a creative world clock, using cutting-edge technology, and three pairs of glass screens containing 3D laser etchings, designed by Christopher Pearson.

BA pilots 'prepared to strike'

The possibility of a strike by British Airways pilots has moved a step closer following a meeting yesterday (February 11).

Hundreds of members of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) met to discuss the proposals for a strike, with the call for industrial action arising from fears over the effect BA's new OpenSkies subsidiary will have on pilot's working conditions.

The general secretary of the union, Jim McAuslan, claims that BA plans to outsource flying duties for the new service to lower-paid, less well-trained pilots.

BA considers adding long-haul flights from Gatwick

British Airways' chief executive has revealed that the airline may expand the number of long-haul flights it operates from London Gatwick Airport.

The comments from Willie Walsh come just days after the airline revealed its finalised schedule for moving its Houston and Dallas Fort Worth services from the hub to the Heathrow Terminal 5.

Walsh told Bloomberg that BA hoped to keep some of its current slots at Gatwick to allow it to launch new long-haul services from the airport in the future.

BA confirmed as London Olympics sponsor

British Airways has been confirmed as one of the leading sponsors of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Today's (February 5) announcement confirms last week's reports that the airline would join the three already-announced Tier One Partners for the event.

As well as its sponsorship of the games, BA will also provide flights for the UK's Olympic and Paralympic athletes travelling to this year's Olympics in Beijing and 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

The airline will also create a travel bursary scheme for young athletes and become involved in the volunteer training programme for the 2012 Games, providing both staff and expertise.

BA announces plans for London City to New York service

British Airways has revealed plans to launch a new business class route between London City Airport and New York.

The new double-daily service will begin operating next year, using two 32-seat Airbus A318 aircraft.

Announcing the new route, BA chief executive Willie Walsh claimed that it would offer an easily-accessible alternative for business and premium leisure passengers not wanting to use the airline's existing London Heathrow to New York services.

British Airways looks set to win 2012 Olympics deal

British Airways looks set to be revealed next week as the official airline of the London 2012 Olympics, according to reports.

The airline will pay approximately £50 million for the sponsorship, which would establish it as a tier-one domestic partner of the sporting event, Marketing reported.

It is expected that the deal will be announced early next week, though a spokesperson for the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOCOG) told the Press Association that "we will not comment on speculation".

BA pilots to ballot for strike action

British Airways pilots are to be balloted on strike action in a dispute over access to jobs between the airline and its new OpenSkies subsidiary.

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) announced earlier today (January 22) that more than 3,000 of its members will be asked to vote on whether or not to take industrial action.

BALPA has called for the ballot over concerns relating to conditions for pilots working for OpenSkies differing from those applied to those working directly for BA.

BA meals to gain celebrity chef input

Passengers flying first class with British Airways are set to benefit from the culinary skills of one of the UK's fastest-rising chefs.

Gate Gourmet, the company responsible for preparing BA's first class menus, has enlisted the services of Steven Walpole to help improve their in-flight offerings.

Walpole has previously appeared on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen programme, as well as teaching Jamie Oliver's Fifteen students and cooking at a number of well-known venues, including the House of Commons.

BA boosts UK to Brazil service

British Airways has announced plans to significantly increase its service between the UK and both Brazil and Argentina.

Commencing October 26, the airline will provide a direct, non-stop service between London Heathrow and Rio de Janeiro, replacing the current offering which requires a stop off in Sao Paulo, and therefore cutting two hours off the average journey time.

From the same date it will also begin to fly daily between Heathrow and the Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires, an increase from its current four-times weekly service.

BA shows off new Terminal 5 facilities

British Airways has unveiled London Heathrow's brand new Terminal 5, which is set to open to passengers later this year.

The terminal has been built by Heathrow's owner BAA but will be used exclusively by BA flights when it opens on March 27.

The new development's facilities include 112 shops and restaurants, and a cinema in the first class lounge, Associated Press reported, as well as improved check-in and security to speed up passengers' boarding time.

BA unveils revised green initiative

British Airways has announced a series of measures aiming to reduce the airline's environmental impact.

As well as unveiling an upgraded carbon-offsetting scheme, the airline will also back both the prevention of deforestation in Brazil and research into non-carbon aircraft emissions.

The amended offsetting scheme is set to support projects such as a wind farm in China and hydroelectric plants in both Brazil and China.

Welcoming the announcement, food and rural affairs secretary Hilary Benn claimed that it could play an important part in reducing aviation's impact on the environment.

British Airways head reveals more details about new EU - US airline

© British Airways

The chief executive of British Airways, Willie Walsh, has revealed some more details about the new subsidiary airline that will fly between European cities and the US.

It was announced yesterday (January 10) that BA would launch OpenSkies, an airline that will initially fly from Paris and Brussels to New York.

In an interview with the Travelmole website Walsh revealed that the carrier also intends to operate flights from Amsterdam, Milan, Frankfurt and Madrid. Zurich is also on the list, although this may prove more complicated as Switzerland is not part of the EU.

British Airways announces New York to Europe flights with OpenSkies

British Airways is looking to launch a new subsidiary airline that will offer flights between New York and European cities.

OpenSkies will launch in June this year, and will fly between the Big Apple and Paris and Brussels. At first, a single Boeing 757 will be used to fly to one of these European capitals, and a second will be added later in the year to fly to the other. By the end of 2009, the airline hopes to have six of these jets, which can carry 82 passengers in three classes - business, premium economy and economy. Business class will feature six-foot flat beds.

The move comes after the Open Skies agreement was struck between the EU and the US, which allows for freer aviation between the two regions.

BA offers new Hyderabad service

British Airways has announced plans to launch a new service between London Heathrow and the Indian city of Hyderabad.

The new route, which begins operating on October 27, 2008, will offer five flights weekly to the increasingly popular Indian destination.

Commenting on the announcement, BA's commercial director, Robert Boyle, claimed that the route represented further proof of the airline's commitment to connect the UK and the Asian nation.

BA offers alternatives as tour operators suspend Kenya holidays

In the wake of civil unrest in Kenya and a suspension of holidays to the country, British Airways has offered refunds for its customers with flights booked to Kenya. Any passengers booked to fly to or from Nairobi on dates up to and including Friday, January 11, can rebook or receive a refund.

Rebookings can be made either to another flight to Nairobi up to two weeks after the original flight, or to another flight to an alternative destination (any excess costs in the difference of the flight price to be paid by the customer).

To rebook a ticket, telephone either British Airways or the agency through which the booking was made. Full information and terms and conditions can be found on the Nairobi services page of BA's website.

MPs attack British Airways surfboard ban

Almost 60 MPs have signed an early day motion in the House of Commons urging British Airways to change its decision to ban surfboards on flights.

The national carrier introduced a new baggage policy this month whereby passengers were not allowed to bring surfboards on flights, even for an extra charge, because of the "large size and handling complexities" involved.

This policy will especially affect those travelling on BA's newly re-opened Gatwick to Newquay route, and has prompted an angry response from the surfing community.

BA launches new routes from London airports

British Airways has announced plans to launch new routes from London City Airport, London Heathrow and London Gatwick next year.

The airline's subsidiary, BA CityFlyer, will commence a service between the Docklands airport and Nice next March, with flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Warsaw to follow in May. At the same time the carrier announced an increased frequency for its London City Airport to Zurich service, with five flights a day to the Swiss destination from next year.

BA raises fuel surcharge on all tickets

An increase in the fuel surcharge applied by British Airways on all flights will come into operation on all tickets booked from November 15.

British Airways has put the blame for the increase on the rising cost of oil, with its total fuel bill for the year anticipated to exceed £2 billion for the first time.

The changes will mean the surcharge for long haul flights of less than nine hours will increase by £10 per flight from £38 to £48 (£96 return), while for flights of more than nine hours the surcharge will increase by £15 from £43 to £58 per flight (£116 return).

BA invests in greener aircraft and baggage handling vehicles

© BA

British Airways has demonstrated its environmental credentials by placing an order for greener long-haul aircraft and baggage handling vehicles.

Announcing the company's interim management report for the six months ending September 30, chief executive Willie Walsh pointed out that the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 planes it has ordered "set the gold standard when it comes to environmental performance in CO2 emissions, local air quality and noise".

He said they would help the airline improve its fuel efficiency by a quarter between 2005 and 2025.

World's top surfer signs petition against British Airways

The world number one surfer, Mick Fanning, has added his name to a petition asking British Airways to reverse its new policy of not carrying passengers' surfboards.

From next month, British Airways will not allow passengers to bring their surfboards with them on board flights, saying that "the large size and handling complexities" is making it too difficult (see related Cheapflights story).

Luxury lounges for BA passengers at Los Angeles

British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Qantas have joined forces to create luxury lounges at Los Angeles International Airport that open their doors today (November 1).

First and business class passengers flying with any of these airlines will be able to use the lounges, which have been designed to reflect California's sea and sand culture.

Design features include a series of plasma screens in the reception area, nine showers, work stations equipped with computers, buffet areas, and a bar. Passengers will receive complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi internet access, newspapers and magazines.

Air Discount Scheme unaffected by BA/Loganair announcement

Following the announcement that the British Airways-Loganair franchise agreement will come to an end next year (see related Cheapflights story), Loganair passengers are being assured that the Air Discount Scheme will remain unchanged.

The Air Discount Scheme is aimed at providing low air fares for residents of Scotland's remote Highlands and Islands communities. Participating airlines are Highland Airways, Eastern Airways and British Airways (through Loganair).

Now Highlands and Islands Airports has assured passengers that the scheme "remains unchanged and is not affected by this announcement" (of the franchise deal ending).

Surfers angered by British Airways' surfboard ban

The move by British Airways to ban the carrying of surfboards on its flights from November 6 (see related Cheapflights story) has angered the UK surfing community.

Surfers have created a forum on Facebook to draw attention to the ban, and hundreds of British Surfing Association (BSA) members have contacted the BSA to express their "disbelief and anger" regarding the policy change.

As the group notes, surfing is one of the country's fastest-growing sports, and BA's newly re-opened Gatwick to Newquay route has proved popular.

British Airways will no longer carry surfboards

From next month, British Airways will no longer allow passengers to take surfboards and certain other types of sporting equipment with them on board flights.

New rules effective from November 6 will prevent customers checking in surfboards, windsurfing boards and sails, hang gliders, kayaks or canoes, pole vaults and javelins. People wishing to take these items will need to contact a separate freight company and arrange for the delivery of these items to their destination.

BA considering bmi takeover

British Airways could be looking to take over rival airline bmi and forge a closer alliance with American Airlines as the transatlantic aviation landscape changes.

Delta Air Lines and Air France have signed a joint venture that will see the carriers increase their presence on routes between London Heathrow and the US (see related Cheapflights story), following an EU-US Open Skies deal that has liberalised aviation on Europe to America routes.

BA is understandably nervous about this new competition on its most profitable routes, and expansion could be a way to hit back.

Links to Poland and Turkey launched by BA

British Airways is to launch flights from Gatwick to the Polish city of Poznan next summer and at the same time offer a link to Antalya in Turkey.

There will be daily flights to Poznan from March 30 and three flights per week to Antalya starting on April 10, and BA hopes the routes will appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "The demand for business and leisure travel between the UK and Poland continues to grow and Poznan joins Warsaw and Krakow on our network. All three destinations will operate from Gatwick next summer when our Warsaw flights move from Heathrow.

BA to loft new Gatwick to Genoa service

British Airways will begin daily flights between London Gatwick and Genoa, Italy, next spring, because of increased passenger demand.

The popularity of cruise ships in the Genoa area is one of the main reasons why demand is so high, and the new route will begin on April 4. During the winter months, the route will operate four times per week.

A Boeing 737 aircraft will be used, with passengers given the option of flying in either Euro Traveller (economy class) or Club Europe (business class).

BA to introduce shorter check-in time

British Airways will introduce a new 45 minute minimum check-in time for flights out of Heathrow and Gatwick later this month, meaning that passengers will have to allow for more time at the airport.

From October 28, the same date that the airline's winter schedule begins, check-in desks and kiosks at both the London airports will close 45 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart.

The aim of the change is "to ease your journey through the airport and provide a consistent check-in time", the airline said in a statement.

BA orders new aircraft

British Airways has announced today (Thursday, September 27) that it is to replace more than 30 of its long-haul fleet.

The airline has ordered 12 Airbus A380 superjumbos and 24 787 Boeing Co Dreamliners at a total cost of $8.2 billion, reports Reuters. This is the largest aircraft order made by BA in nine years.

BA will take delivery of the aeroplanes between 2010 and 2014.

Emirates and BA win in-flight entertainment prizes

Emirates has won the prize for best in-flight entertainment (IFE) in a major airline at the World Airline Entertainment Association's 2007 Annual Avion Awards.

The Dubai-based airline, which offers flights from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle, also picked up the award for Best Achievement in IFE.

Meanwhile UK flag-carrier British Airways took home the Best in Europe award, with its in-flight entertainment recognised in the poll of more than 36,000 worldwide airline passengers.

Open Skies needs more, says BA

British Airways has complained that insufficient progress is being made in freeing up European-US aviation.

Chief executive Willie Walsh said the current Open Skies agreement was not nearly extensive enough, reports ABTN.co.uk.

Talking at the Route Leaders Forum in Stockholm yesterday morning (September 24), he said: "The deal we should aspire to is the one that removes ownership and control restrictions that prevent us from genuinely competing with one another.

BA calls for third Heathrow runway

British Airways has added to the calls for a third runway to be built at Heathrow Airport.

Airport operator BAA recently began lobbying for a full-length third runway at the west London airport, rather than the shorter runway that it had previously advocated.

This change of tack "is because they think, possibly rightly, that getting any new runway at Heathrow is going to be a monumental battle, so they may as well go the whole way", a source told The Sunday Times.

Changes to British Airways' timetable announced

© BA

British Airways is to take advantage of the Open Skies agreement between the US and Europe to revamp its flights across the Atlantic.

The airline's daily flight to Dallas Fort Worth and twice a day service to Houston will move from Gatwick to Heathrow airport from March 30, 2008.

In addition, the airline will increase the frequency of its flights from Heathrow to New York JFK, Seattle and Washington and from Gatwick to Orlando. But to accommodate this, from March 30 flights between Heathrow and Detroit will be suspended.

BA to fly England rugby squad with 'Hope and Glory'

The England rugby squad will today (Monday, September 3) fly to France with British Airways for the start of the Rugby World Cup.

BA is the official carrier of the team and in their honour it has renamed the aircraft they will be travelling in Hope and Glory "to send them off in the spirit they deserve".

The sportsmen will embark on the one hour and 15 minute flight from Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle later today.

British Airways receives record fine for price fixing

British Airways has been ordered to pay a £121.5 million fine by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) following a fuel surcharge price fixing scandal.

The airline admitted that it had colluded with Virgin Atlantic to fix passenger fuel surcharges on long-haul flights between August 2004 and January 2006, and is expected to receive a further fine from the US Department of Justice later today (August 1). It has set aside a total of £350 million to cover the fines and legal costs.

BA criticises one piece of baggage rule

Excessive airline security measures are irritating passengers and could be keeping them away from airports, airlines believe.

At British Airways' annual meeting this week, airline chairman Martin Broughton said that new security requirements brought in following last year's foiled terror plot - which allow passengers to take only one single piece of hand luggage through security - are "no longer credible".

"The one piece of hand baggage rule has no security justification, evidenced by the fact that it is not required in the US or anywhere else in Europe," he said.

BA joins Air China for interline ticketing

British Airways and Air China have teamed up to offer interline electronic ticketing, meaning that passengers will only need to buy one ticket when travelling on the two airlines.

Air China already operates an interline ticketing system with various carriers that fly from the UK, including Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. The tie-up with BA brings its total number of partners to 14.

Passengers will be able to apply for a single e-ticket for a flight itinerary that includes travel on both carriers, meaning greater flexibility and convenience.

BA flights disrupted by strike at Venice Airport

A strike at Venice Airport has forced British Airways to cancel the following flights today (Wednesday, July 18):

BA2588 from London Gatwick to Venice
BA2589 from Venice to London Gatwick

Angola lifts ban on BA flights

Aviation authorities in Angola have lifted a ban on British Airways, meaning that the UK flag-carrier can once again fly to the southern African nation.

British Airways was prevented from flying there earlier this month after UK authorities barred Angolan carrier TAAG Angola Airlines from flying to Britain. In retaliation, the Angolan authorities banned BA from flying to the capital Luanda (as reported by Cheapflights).

However, BA's Angola country manager, Rob Cooper, told Reuters that the airline had received a letter confirming that it could resume flights.

BA increases minimum connection times at Heathrow

British Airways has increased the connection times between flights at Heathrow Airport because of increased congestion.

Extra security measures introduced in recent months have led to slower transfer times so BA has increased the minimum connection times for all new bookings up to and including August 31, 2007.