British Airways reveals strike contingency plans

British Airways has published contingency plans which it claims will allow 60 per cent of its customers to keep flying during the first planned cabin crew strike this month.

The airline aims to carry around 45,000 passengers each day on March 20th, 21st and 22nd, while thousands more will be transported on alternative British Airways flights or with other operators.

From Gatwick Airport, the carrier will maintain its long-haul schedule and operate more than half of its short-haul services.

Over 60 per cent of long-haul flights from Heathrow Airport will still be available during the first three days of industrial action, while the short-haul schedule will be reduced to around 30 per cent of full capacity.

Arrangements for the second strike period, from March 27th to 30th, will be announced after the first walkout has ended.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways, said: "Due to the numbers of cabin crew who have called in to offer their services over the weekend, the schedule will be slightly larger than we had originally anticipated.

"Despite the desire of Unite's leadership to ground the airline, the flag will continue to fly. Around 60 per cent of our customers will be able to fly as planned and many thousands more can be rebooked onto alternative BA flights or onto rival airlines."

Posted by Clare, 16 March 2010 13:05

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