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British Airways Pilot Strike
BA is no stranger to signifiant operational disruption, whether it is fog, snow, IT failures, terrorist threats or, indeed, industrial action.
However, it is hard to recall a time when its entire flying programme from both Gatwick and Heathrow has been cancelled for 48 hours, as it has today.
At the time of publication there is no sign of an end to the current impasse between BA and BALPA as no negotiations are underway between the two.
The strike has of course generated significant media coverage with claim and counter-claim and whilst in IAG’s view this is all “noise” if the dispute becomes protracted there will be political pressure on BA and IAG to bring it to an end. Ultimately, both sides need to reach an agreement.
Unless a settlement is reached by Friday, BA is likely to start cancelling flights for the second phase of industrial action on Friday 27 September 2019.
BALPA is required to give 14 days’ notice of any further strike action and to give an indication of how it might ratchet up the pressure, last week BALPA announced a further 7 days of strike action over a period of 12 days at Ryanair.
BA Updates iPad App
In other BA news, BA has updated its iPad app.
This was previously a version of its smartphone app for the iPad. It has now been entirely redesigned and is now geared solely towards buying flights.
“Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport” Returns
Channel 5’s behind the scenes series on BA “British Airways 24/7 Access All Areas” debuted last week.
These shows do depend on access, and the production company Title Role productions certainly secured that. However, some of the production devices shows like these rely on, such as jeopardy, were absent. It continues this Thursday with a look at BA’s new First Class service.
Also returning this week is “Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport” on ITV this coming Wednesday at 20:00.
Also of note this week:
Air New Zealand is expected to name its new CEO within the next week. (Australian Financial Review)
Qantas on its route to Lord Howe island. (Qantas)
SWISS recognises “Digital Day” in Switzerland. (SWISS)
Virgin Atlantic introduces new sustainable amenity kits for its Upper Class and Premium cabins on the Airbus A350-1000. (Virgin Atlantic)
Late post publication updates:
[Reserved for updates throughout the day]
Loganair has announced a series of new short-haul routes from Aberdeen, Cardiff, East Midlands and Newcastle. (Loganair)
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