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2009-02-24 |
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About British Airways
British Airways plc is the national airline and flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the largest airlines 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 1974 consisting of BOAC and BEA. These two companies were dissolved on 31 March 1974 to form British Airways (BA). 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. The formation of Richard Bransons Virgin Atlantic in 1984 began a tense relationship with BA which ended in "one of the most bitter and protracted libel actions in aviation history" in 1993 in which BA apologised "unreservedly" for a "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin and paid damages and legal costs.
For a number of years the airline was a mainly Boeing customer, but in November 1998 it placed its first direct order for Airbus aircraft. The companys next major order was the start of its replacement of its long haul fleet, ordering Boeing 787s and Airbus A380s in 2007. The centrepiece of the airlines long haul fleet is the Boeing 747-400; the airline is the largest operator of this type in the world. British Airways strategy and aircraft purchases are seen as an industry benchmark that influences other carriers decisions.
British Airways has discontinued all direct overseas and internal flights from UK airports other than from Heathrow and Gatwick for the winter season. BAs UK passengers originating at non-London airports must now connect via London, travel in the summer seasons overseas from other major airports such as Manchester or use other airlines with direct services year-round.
British Airways is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
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British Airways
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