More than 75 per cent of customers to fly through strike
Monday 29, March 2010
British Airways will fly more than 75 per cent of customers booked to travel between tomorrow and March 30, despite these four days being targeted for strikes by 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 per cent have been rebooked to travel on other carriers, or changed the dates of their British Airways flights to avoid the strike period. Several thousand customers have brought forward their departures to today (Friday).
During Unite's first round of industrial action last weekend, almost 60 per cent of rostered cabin crew ignored the strike call and reported for work.
Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, 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."
Over the next four days, British Airways will fly a full normal schedule from Gatwick and London City airports.
At Heathrow, the airline will operate 70 per cent of its long-haul programme (up from 60 per cent in the first strike period) and 55 per cent of its short-haul programme (up from 30 per cent).
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