BA: 60% of passengers will fly

Transport 16/03/2010

British Airways has announced it will fly 60% of its passengers during the first cabin crew strike, due to take place on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of March.

The airline hopes to transport 45,000 customers on each of these three days, while thousands more will be switched to flights operated by other carriers.

Plans for the second strike period - between the 27th and 30th of March - have not yet been finalised but will be announced after the first strike has ended.

Dates for the industrial action were finally announced by BA last Friday, following the breakdown of lengthy negotiations between the airline and the unions.

The seven day 'split strike' will affect thousands of travellers coming and going on their Easter vacations.

The airline plans to operate all flights from London City airport, all long haul routes and 50% of short haul routes from Gatwick.

Seats have been secured on flights operated by rival airlines such as Flybe who, in response, have bumped up their flight frequency.

The dispute between BA and Unite comes after disagreements over reductions in crew numbers and pay.

Richelle Harrison Plesse