British Airways News Page 78
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.
BA price-fixing cartel heads to court
The trial of four senior British Airways executives on accusations of price fixing has begun in London. The defendants agreed with Virgin Atlantic executives to fix fuel surcharges, which rose from £5 to £60 for a typical long-haul return ticket over an 18-month period.
BA cabin crew receive pay hike despite strikes and record losses
British Airways’ cabin crew received a 5 percent pay rise last year despite the flag carrier making record losses and its rivals freezing salaries. Civil Aviation Authority figures show BA cabin crew average salaries rose to £31,400. Virgin Atlantic’s crew, meanwhile, had their pay frozen at £14,400.
BA strike dents BAA recovery
The strike by British Airways cabin crew has stalled the recovery of BAA’s six UK airports. Passenger numbers in March fell 1.5 percent from February, with 200,000 passengers lost due to the two strikes. But Heathrow still managed to maintain its recovery by rising 0.4 percent year-on-year.
Branson lambastes “lazy” EU over BA-AA tie-up
Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson has labelled EU competition commissioners as “lazy” and “misguided” as he ramps up the campaign against the planned alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. The multi-billionaire is calling on Brussels to block the venture and is threatening to mount legal action.
British Airways increases flights to Jersey
British Airways is increasing the frequency on its popular Jersey-Gatwick service this summer increasing flights to Jersey to 41 a week. British Airways currently operates 35 flights a week between Jersey and Gatwick as part of its winter schedule.
BA / Iberia - third party comment
Reacting to news of the merger between British Airways (BA) and Iberia, Bob Atkinson, travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, said:..
BA makes “serious progress” with cabin crew
British Airways has headed off a third round of industrial action by cabin crew next week as talks with unions attempting to resolve changes in working practices make “serious progress”.
BA and Iberia seal £5bn merger
British Airways and Iberia have sealed their long-awaited merger, which will see the two flag carriers integrate operations by the end of the year. They are expected to save up to £350 million annually from the £5bn deal, and will trade as a holding company called International Airlines Group.
British Airways strike cost £45m
Strike action at British Airways cost the airline as much as £45 million in March, as cabin crew were called out on strike by the Unite union. However, Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley has today confirmed the two sides are back around the negotiating table.