BA back in profit

British Airways (BA) has returned to profit for the first time in ten years following a recent announcement that their passenger numbers are up.

The figures show a rise of four per cent in the number of people flying with BA in the first quarter of the 2006 financial year, against the same period last year.

The statement issued by BA chief executive Willie Walsh revealed that the company's short-haul business is now back in profit.

Mr Walsh also stated that long-haul business is growing too, with the number of flights to India in particular having increased by more than double from 19 to 42 flights per week over the last year.

"Apart from the United States, India is now our largest overseas market," Mr Walsh said.

"We have shown we won't be swept away. This move into profit is just the beginning," he added.

BA also recently announced changes to its flight crews to introduce savings and increase productivity, which will see the 1,800 cabin staff at Gatwick fly both long and short haul routes rather than one or the other.

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