BA to fly 180,000 through strike

More than three quarters of passengers booked will to fly with British Airways between tomorrow and March 30, despite the four days being targeted for strikes by cabin crew members of Unite.

Of approximately 240,000 customers originally booked to travel in the strike period, the airline expects to fly more than 180,000.

A further 18% have been rebooked to travel on other carriers, or changed the dates of their BA flights to avoid the strike period.

Several thousand customers have brought forward their departures to today (Friday), BA said.

During Unite's first round of industrial action last weekend, almost 60% of rostered cabin crew ignored the strike call and reported for work.

BA has pledged to fly a full normal schedule from Gatwick and London City airports over the next four days.

At Heathrow, the airline will operate 70% of its long-haul programme (up from 60% in the first strike period) and 55% of its short-haul programme (up from 30%).

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said: "I am delighted that we will be able to fly such a large proportion of our customers to their chosen destinations in the coming days.

"The vast majority of British Airways staff, including thousands of cabin crew, are pulling together to serve our customers and keep our flag flying.

"At the same time, I feel really sorry for those customers whose plans have been ruined by Unite's completely unjustified action. Despite the union's promises, this strike has affected the Easter holiday plans of thousands of hard-working people."

by Phil Davies

Originally published 26 Mar 2010 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/9ad8e7b/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cs…