British Airways has called for a three-pronged approach to reform of Air Passenger Duty to make it more consistent with the government’s overriding objective of economic growth. The call comes as figures from the Office for National Statistic reveal a sharp fall in consumer spending during April which, coupled to the increase in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits revealed yesterday, could suggest the economy may be slipping back toward recession.

British Airways has boosted capacity and added a first class cabin on its route to Las Vegas following a successful launch in 2009. Moving over to a Boeing 747, BA will add 18 per cent capacity to the route – a total of 124 seats, including 14 in first class.

British Airways has taken delivery of an A320 aircraft, making it a member of a prestigious airline club that can boast 100 or more aircraft deliveries from every member of Airbus’ Single Aisle aircraft Family.

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of IAG, has expressed a renewed interest in buying Bmi, in a bid to gain the airline’s valuable slots at Heathrow. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association summit in Singapore, he said a potential deal hinged on whether current owner Lufthansa was willing to sell.

British Airways has launched a new daily flight to San Diego - its latest Californian holiday hotspot. As the only airline flying directly from Europe, the new route offers greater access to local markets for business, as well as a popular leisure destination.

British Airways is cutting its fares by up to 29 per cent in business class and up to 60 per cent in its First Class cabin in its Luxury Sale for bookings made between May 26 and June 21, 2011. Over 80 destinations are included in the sale based on various travel dates from June 9 to December 31, 2011.