British Airways say they are “extremely pleased with today’s High Court ruling that the modest changes we made to onboard crew numbers on flights from Heathrow were reasonable, did not breach crew contracts and can remain in place.”

The American Department of Transport (DOT) has issued a tentative decision approving antitrust immunity for American Airlines and its oneworld partners, allowing the formation a global alliance. If granted final approval, the decision will allow the oneworld Alliance to join Star and SkyTeam – both of which have operated with antitrust immunity in the USA for some time – in the North American market.

British Airways has announced plans to establish Europe’s first sustainable jet-fuel plant, with ambitions to power part of its fleet from 2014. In partnership with the Solena Group, the UK flag-carrier will open a state-of-the-art facility that can convert a variety of waste materials, destined for landfill, into aviation fuel.

British Airways cabin crew laid off by the airline last year could be lured back in a bid to cover possible strike action. Former staff have been offered six-month contracts and would undergo a week of training starting 22 February.

British Airways’ new First has taken off following a £100m investment. The new cabin – which includes a personal wardrobe, a bed which is almost half again as wide as the previous one, and personal electronic blinds – is installed on a B777 which flies from London Heathrow to Chicago O’ Hare.

British Airways could be poised to drop its business class on a number of short-haul services in its battle to stem record losses. Chief executive Willie Walsh said that cuts in business travel expenditure have made it unsustainable to fly executives in larger seats on short journeys.