British Airways News
New ash flight rules set to come into force
New measures developed by the Civil Aviation Authority are due to come into force today in an effort to reduce disruption caused by volcanic ash. Following talks between airlines, regulators, and aircraft manufacturers, the CAA has developed a new Time Limited Zone, allowing aircraft to fly through higher volumes of ash for shorter periods.
Unite to appeal against BA decision
Unite has branded a High Court decision declaring planned British Airways cabin crew strikes illegal “an absolute disgrace” and launched an appeal. The trade union will present its case to the Appeal Court today following a decision by Mr Justice McCombe on Monday.
Government calls emergency meeting to avert BA strike
The UK government has made a last-minute intervention in British Airways’ dispute with cabin crew, calling BA’s chief executive and union leaders for an emergency meeting today.
New government and Acas call for BA strike resolution
The conciliation service Acas as well as the new government have made a public appeal to both sides in the British Airways cabin crew strike. New Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has urged them to “hammer out a solution”.
BA to operate at least half of services through strikes
British Airways plans to run at least half its services from Heathrow during the scheduled cabin crew strike next week. It has also made arrangements with more than 50 other carriers to allow its customers disrupted by the five-day walk-out to rebook with them.
More BA strike misery for customers
The latest strike news from Unite is not good for customers or for tour operators, states John Tangney, spokesperson for Aviation Affairs for the 140-strong Association of Independent Tour Operators (www.aito.com), which jointly carry around one million passengers annually.
Editor’s Blog: United they fall
Following a ballot of members, the Unite union has called for 20 days of strikes during May and June – with the spring half-term and May Bank Holiday hit. But could this latest industrial action mark the end of their long running dispute with British Airways? Breaking Travel News Junior Editor Chris O’Toole takes a look.
BA optimistic in Unite battle
British Airways has remained bullish today, following the announcement of 20 days of strike action at the airline during May and June. The airline confirmed all departures from London Gatwick and City airports would operate as normal, while a “substantial” service would operate from Heathrow.
Unite announce further strike dates at BA
The Unite union has confirmed 20 further days of industrial action at British Airways following a dramatic escalation in its ongoing battle with the airline. The first strike will begin on May 22nd with subsequent five day strikes beginning every six days in order to maximise disruption to passengers.
British Airways price-fixing trial collapses
The trial of three former British Airways employees and one current member of staff over allegations of price collusion with Virgin Atlantic collapsed at Southwark Crown Court this morning. The judge had questioned the validity of the trial, following revelations the Office of Fair Trading had failed to release evidence to the defence.
BA cabin crew reject pay offer
Cabin crew at British Airways have overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer from the airline, setting the stage for a prolonged period of strike action. The Unite union had “strongly recommended” members reject the latest offer, a decision British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh branded “bizarre”.
Virgin blew whistle on price-fixing to avoid millions in fines
Virgin Atlantic “blew the whistle” over its price-fixing cartel with British Airways as it became so scared of the financial consequences if US regulators found out. The fines would have run into millions so Virgin owned up in order to gain immunity from prosecution, a court was told.