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BA sends out a warning on Heathrow’s third runway
30.09.09
British Airways will be forced to scrap “significant” numbers of domestic and European flights out of London if no third runway is built at Heathrow, the company said today.
The Tories have pledged to ditch the Government's plan for extra capacity at the airport if they win power next year.
BA's chief executive Willie Walsh said the airline, which lost £401 million last year, would focus on more-profitable long-haul services if it was stopped from expanding its way out of the recession.
He said: “If the Tories don't want a third runway, we'll have to cut capacity significantly on European and domestic flights from Heathrow. We need expansion and we can get added growth in long-haul services, which are much more profitable.”
Yesterday, BA launched its first business-only service from London City airport to JFK in New York, a move widely seen by industry experts as a test of long-haul demand.
Walsh said he hoped his airline would conclude discussions over a merger with Spanish carrier Iberia “by the end of the year”. The deal would give BA more slots on the Continent.
Reader views (5)
Well said Rich, and I could'nt agree more with you Sam that's exactly what they should have done some time ago now, they seem to continually find excuses to avoid doing the right thing and starting a new airport from scratch and planning/laying it out much better.
- Ross, South-West London
Idle threats from a man on the losing team.
- Rich, London
If BAA have stalled the process that's becuase they know full well that the Conservatives will be in power next May and the 3rd runway will be cancelled. Why waste money on something they know will never go ahead. What we really need is a 21st century airport on the Thames estuary ... but the UK is too poor/gutless to build one.
- Sam, London
Willie Walsh has made general statements that BA will be forced to cut services if a third runway is not built. They don't add up. He won't have any less space at Heathrow than he has right now! No wonder he has provided
no specific details. Until he does, what he says will just be regarded as empty and meaningless threats.
- Andrew, Heathrow
Willie Walsh would be better off talking to BAA about the runway as they have done absolutely nothing since getting Government backing to proceed with this project.
They are stalling on buying properties and this is causing more uncertainty and anguish in the area amongst residents.
BAA should put their money where their mouth is, but they havn't got the confidence anymore.
- Jim Davies, Heathrow
