BA plans expanded schedule through next strike

 

British Airways plans to fly 70% of its long haul schedule and more than 55% of short haul flights from Heathrow during the next threatened five-day cabin crew strike.

 

The next walk out is due to take place between May 30 and June 3 following this week’s action by member of the Unite union.

 

Six hours of talks between the airline and union to try and resolve the dispute before the next round of industrial action takes place are expected to resume tomorrow (Friday).

 

But in the meantime BA says the Heathrow long haul schedule will rise from more than 60% of flights this week and short haul up from more than 50%.

 

The carrier expects to continue to fly to every short haul destination on its network.

 

"Due to the numbers of crew wanting to work normally at Gatwick, all flights will continue to operate as scheduled during the very busy half term break as families fly out to many popular holiday destinations," BA said. "Flights at London City airport will also operate as normal."

 

A statement said: "At this stage British Airways expects to fly more than 75% of customers who hold a booking between May 30 and June 3. This equates to around 65,000 customers flying each day."

 

The airline said "many thousands more" will be able to use seats secured on more than 50 other airlines.

 

BA will continue to lease up to eight aircraft from other UK or European airlines to supplement its short haul schedule at Heathrow.

 

Other passengers can be rebooked onto alternative BA flights departing within the next 355 days. Refunds are also available for those whose flights have been cancelled.

 

*People in the UK wanting to rebook flights can visit the airline’s website www.ba.com or contact the airline on free phone line 0800 727 800.

by Phil Davies