British Airways
British Airways is the national airline and flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe. Its main hubs are London Heathrow and London Gatwick. British Airways is a founding member of the Oneworld airline alliance.
The British Airways Group was formed on 1 September 1972. The company was privatised in February 1987. It expanded with the acquisition of British Caledonian in 1988 and some of the routes of Gatwick-based carrier Dan-Air in 1992.
Traditionally a Boeing customer, BA placed its first direct order for Airbus aircraft in November 1998. The company’s next major order was the commencement of its replacement of its long haul fleet, ordering Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s in 2007. British Airways’ strategy and aircraft purchases are seen as an industry “benchmark” that influences other carriers’ decisions.
In 2008 BA unveiled its new subsidiary OpenSkies which will take advantage of the liberalization of transatlantic traffic rights, and fly non-stop between major European cities and the United States. Operations are expected to begin with a single Boeing 757 in June 2008.
Destinations
BA offers flights from Manchester, London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Glasgow to about 20 North American destinations in Canada, USA and Mexico.
