British Airways

:For the 1930s airline of similar name see British Airways Ltd.

Current Operations

British Airways is based at London Heathrow Airport in London, England. It also has a commanding presence at Gatwick and Manchester International Airport. BA has succeeded in dominating Heathrow to the point that the airport is commonly referred to as Fortress Heathrow within both the airline and its competitors.

Related Topics:
London Heathrow Airport - London - England - Gatwick - Manchester International Airport

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As an incumbent airline, BA had grandfather rights to around 36% of takeoff and landing slots at Heathrow, many of which are used for the lucrative trans-Atlantic market. Some competitors, such as Virgin Atlantic, bmi and United Airlines, assert that this stifles competition and some political think-tanks recommend an auction of slots. In recent years British Airways has been buying slots from other airlines including United Airlines, SN Brussels and Swiss International Air Lines, and now owns about 42% of slots at Heathrow.

Related Topics:
Grandfather rights - Virgin Atlantic - Bmi - United Airlines - SN Brussels - Swiss International Air Lines

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Some British Airways services are operated by various subsidiaries and franchisees:

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Subsidiaries

• British Airways Citiexpress

Franchisees

• British Mediterranean Airways, UK, franchisee since 1997.
• Comair, South Africa, franchisee since 1996.
• GB Airways, UK, franchisee since 1 February 1995.
• Loganair, UK, franchisee since July 1994.
• Sun Air, Denmark, franchisee since 1 August 1996.

British Airways is pioneering the use of "flat beds" in the premium cabins on their long-haul routes and has the most flat beds of any airline on their aircraft. On 8 September 2004 British Airways announced that it was to sell its 18.5% stake in Qantas, but would continue their alliance (such as sharing revenue), particularly on the Kangaroo routes. Commentators have suggested that while the expected £425m from the sale will be used to reduce the airline's debt mountain it may also be used to fund expansion.

Related Topics:
8 September - 2004 - Qantas

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British Airways is a founding member of the oneworld airline alliance.

Related Topics:
Oneworld - Airline alliance

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