:British Airways

{{Main|History of British Airways}}

File:British Airways Boeing 747-100 in BOAC basic livery Marmet.jpg in BOAC-British Airways transition livery (1976)]]

Proposals to establish a joint British airline, combining the assets of the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), were first raised in 1953 as a result of difficulties in attempts by BOAC and BEA to negotiate air rights through the British colony of Cyprus. Increasingly BOAC was protesting that BEA was using its subsidiary Cyprus Airways to circumvent an agreement that BEA would not fly routes further east than Cyprus, particularly to the increasingly important oil regions in the Middle East. The chairman of BOAC, Miles Thomas, was in favour of a merger as a potential solution to this disagreement and had backing for the idea from the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the time, Rab Butler. However, opposition from the Treasury blocked the proposal.Robin Higham, Speedbird: The Complete History of BOAC (London: IB Tauris, 2013) p.117

Consequently, it was only following the recommendations of the 1969 Edwards Report that a new British Airways Board, managing both BEA and BOAC, and the two regional British airlines Cambrian Airways based at Cardiff, and Northeast Airlines based at Newcastle upon Tyne, was constituted on 1 April 1972.Airliner World (Cambrian Airways – The Welsh Dragon: New routes and turboprops), Key Publishing, Stamford, UK, September 2012, p. 71 Although each airline's branding was maintained initially, two years later the British Airways Board unified its branding, effectively establishing British Airways as an airline on 31 March 1974.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1970-1979/public/en_gb|website=British Airways|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=London|title=Explore our past: 1970–1979|access-date=6 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618043935/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1970-1979/public/en_gb|archive-date=18 June 2013|url-status=live}}

Following two years of fierce competition with British Caledonian, the second-largest airline in the United Kingdom at the time, the Government changed its aviation policy in 1976 so that the two carriers would no longer compete on long-haul routes.{{cite web |url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201427.html |title = UK abandons long-haul competition |work = Flight International |date = 7 August 1975 |page = 173 |access-date = 30 June 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120315044020/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%201427.html |archive-date = 15 March 2012 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

British Airways and Air France operated the supersonic Concorde airliner, and the world's first supersonic passenger service flew on 21 January 1976 from London Heathrow Airport to Bahrain International Airport.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=inkRAAAAIBAJ&pg=5479,5052446|title=Concorde starts regular service|work=Eugene Register-Guard|date=26 January 1976|access-date=27 June 2010}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Services to the U.S. began on 24 May 1976 with a flight to Washington Dulles airport, and flights to New York JFK airport followed on 22 September 1977. Service to Singapore was established in co-operation with Singapore Airlines as a continuation of the flight to Bahrain. Following the crash of Air France Flight 4590 and the 11 September attacks, British Airways decided to cease Concorde operations in 2003 after 27 years of service. The final commercial Concorde flight was BA002 from New York-JFK to London-Heathrow on 24 October 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-2000-present/public/en_gb|title=Explore Our Past:2000 – present|website=British Airways|location=London|publisher=International Airlines Group|access-date=20 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424172652/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-2000-present/public/en_gb|archive-date=24 April 2010|url-status=live}}

File:British Airways Trident Three G-AWZA.jpg in its transitional scheme with BEA livery but with British Airways titles]]

In 1981 the airline was instructed to prepare for privatisation by the Conservative Thatcher government.{{cite journal|last=Cozmuta|first=Adrian|date=2021|title=Selling 'The World's Favourite Airline': British Airways' privatisation and the motives behind it|journal=Business History|volume=66 |publisher=University of Glasgow|location=Glasgow|pages=181–200|doi=10.1080/00076791.2021.1926991|s2cid=236421691|issn=0007-6791|url=https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/240788/1/240788.pdf|access-date=16 June 2023|archive-date=25 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625204720/https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/240788/1/240788.pdf|url-status=live}} Sir John King, later Lord King, was appointed chairman, charged with bringing the airline back into profitability. While many other large airlines struggled, King was credited with transforming British Airways into one of the most profitable air carriers in the world.{{cite journal|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4896070.html |title=A-Z of Employers |journal=The Independent |date=12 February 1998 |first=Rachelle |last=Thackray |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102054517/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-4896070.html |archive-date=2 November 2012 }} The flag carrier was privatised and was floated on the London Stock Exchange in February 1987.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/danair-swallowed-up-by-ba-rivals-say-competition-and-choice-will-be-cut-by-takeover-that-will-axe-1900-jobs-1559258.html|title=After much fanfare, the sale of British Airways set to begin|work=The Independent|last=Marshall|first=Tyler|date=24 October 1992|location=London|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925082235/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/danair-swallowed-up-by-ba-rivals-say-competition-and-choice-will-be-cut-by-takeover-that-will-axe-1900-jobs-1559258.html|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=live}} British Airways effected the takeover of the UK's "second" airline, British Caledonian, in July of that same year.{{cite news|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1980-1989/public/en_gb|work=British Airways|title=Explore our past: 1980–1989|access-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419123453/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1980-1989/public/en_gb|archive-date=19 April 2010|url-status=live}}

The formation of Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic in 1984 created a competitor for BA. The intense rivalry between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic culminated in the former being sued for libel in 1993, arising from claims and counterclaims over a "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin. This campaign included allegations of poaching Virgin Atlantic customers, tampering with private files belonging to Virgin, and undermining Virgin's financial reputation in the city. As a result of the case BA management apologised "unreservedly", and the company agreed to pay £110,000 in damages to Virgin, £500,000 to Branson personally and £3 million legal costs.{{cite news|title=BA dirty tricks against Virgin cost £3m|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/11/newsid_2520000/2520189.stm|publisher=BBC: On This Day|date=11 January 1993|access-date=23 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307120257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/11/newsid_2520000/2520189.stm|archive-date=7 March 2008|url-status=live}} Lord King stepped down as chairman in 1993 and was replaced by his deputy, Colin Marshall, while Bob Ayling took over as CEO. Virgin filed a separate action in the U.S. that same year regarding BA's domination of the trans-Atlantic routes, but it was thrown out in 1999.

File:British Airways Concorde official handover ceremony Fitzgerald.jpg at Heathrow Airport, on 15 January 1976]]

In 1992 British Airways expanded through the acquisition of the financially troubled Dan-Air, giving BA a much larger presence at Gatwick Airport. British Asia Airways, a subsidiary based in Taiwan, was formed in March 1993 to operate between London and Taipei. That same month BA purchased a 25% stake in the Australian airline Qantas and, with the acquisition of Brymon Airways in May, formed British Airways Citiexpress (later BA Connect).{{cite news|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1990-1999/public/en_gb|work=British Airways|title=Explore our past: 1990–1999|access-date=8 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417001437/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-1990-1999/public/en_gb|archive-date=17 April 2010|url-status=live}} In September 1998, British Airways, along with American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Canadian Airlines, formed the Oneworld airline alliance. Oneworld began operations on 1 February 1999, and is the third-largest airline alliance in the world, behind SkyTeam and Star Alliance.

File:British Airways Lockheed L-1011-385-1 TriStar 1 Gilliand.jpg in Landor livery]]

Bob Ayling's leadership led to a cost savings of £750M and the establishment of a budget airline, Go, in 1998.{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/11/business/international-business-british-airways-ousts-chief-after-four-tumultuous-years.html |title= British Airways Ousts Chief After Four Tumultuous Years |work=The New York Times |access-date=13 June 2009 |date=11 March 2000 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120405094327/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/11/business/international-business-british-airways-ousts-chief-after-four-tumultuous-years.html |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=live}} The next year, however, British Airways reported an 84% drop in profits in its first quarter alone, its worst in seven years.{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/business/market-insight-seeing-fool-s-gold-in-airlines-cheap-seats.html |title=Market Insight: Seeing Fool's Gold in Airlines' Cheap Seats |work=The New York Times |date=29 August 1999 |last=Sorkin |first=Andrew |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120405100018/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/business/market-insight-seeing-fool-s-gold-in-airlines-cheap-seats.html |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=live}} In March 2000, Ayling was removed from his position and British Airways announced Rod Eddington as his successor. That year, British Airways and KLM conducted talks on a potential merger, reaching a decision in July to file an official merger plan with the European Commission.{{cite news |title=Airlines aim for merger |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/832102.stm |work=BBC News |date=13 July 2000 |access-date=16 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216154913/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/832102.stm |archive-date=16 February 2003 |url-status=live }} The plan fell through in September 2000.{{cite news |title=Airlines end merger plans |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/936202.stm |work=BBC News |date=21 September 2000 |access-date=16 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207032147/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/936202.stm |archive-date=7 December 2008 |url-status=live }} British Asia Airways ceased operations in 2001 after BA suspended flights to Taipei. Go was sold to its management and the private equity firm 3i in June 2001.{{cite news |title=BA sells Go for £100m |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1388980.stm |work=BBC News |date=14 June 2001 |access-date=16 July 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070712134309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1388980.stm |archive-date=12 July 2007 |url-status=live }} Eddington would make further workforce cuts due to reduced demand following 11 September attacks in 2001, and BA sold its stake in Qantas in September 2004.{{cite news |title=BA to sell off 18% Qantas stake |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3636766.stm |work=BBC News |date=8 September 2004 |access-date=10 July 2013 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107080954/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3636766.stm |url-status=live }} In 2005 Willie Walsh, managing director of Aer Lingus and a former pilot, became the chief executive officer of British Airways.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/09/business/worldbusiness/former-chief-of-aer-lingus-to-get-british-airs-top.html |title= Former Chief of Aer Lingus To Get British Air's Top Post |work=The New York Times |last=Lavery |first=Brian |date=9 March 2005 |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180728005133/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/09/business/worldbusiness/former-chief-of-aer-lingus-to-get-british-airs-top.html |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live }} BA unveiled its new subsidiary OpenSkies in January 2008, taking advantage of the liberalisation of transatlantic traffic rights between Europe and the United States. OpenSkies flies non-stop from Paris to New York's JFK and Newark airports.{{cite web |url= http://www.brandrepublic.com/Discipline/Advertising/News/775685/BA-brands-new-airline-OpenSkies/|title=BA brands new airline 'Open Skies' |work=Brand Republic |date=9 January 2008 |first=Jemima |last=Bokaie |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081009162031/http://www.brandrepublic.com/Discipline/Advertising/News/775685/BA-brands-new-airline-OpenSkies/ |archive-date=9 October 2008 |url-status=live}}

In July 2008, British Airways announced a merger plan with Iberia, another flag carrier airline in the Oneworld alliance, wherein each airline would retain its original brand.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/business/worldbusiness/30air.html|title=British Airways in Merger Talks|last=Brothers|first=Caroline|work=The New York Times|date=30 July 2008|access-date=30 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531150240/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/business/worldbusiness/30air.html|archive-date=31 May 2013|url-status=live}} The agreement was confirmed in April 2010,{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8608667.stm |work=BBC News |title=British Airways and Iberia sign merger agreement |date=8 April 2010 |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111019180607/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8608667.stm |archive-date=19 October 2011 |url-status=live}} and in July the European Commission and U.S. Department of Transportation permitted the merger and began to co-ordinate transatlantic routes with American Airlines.{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/bay/7890648/EC-approves-BA-alliance-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |work=The Telegraph |title=EC approves BA alliance with American Airlines and Iberia |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=15 July 2010 |location= London |first=Emma |last=Rowley |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100716232937/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/epic/bay/7890648/EC-approves-BA-alliance-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-date=16 July 2010 |url-status=live}}

{{cite news |title=British Airways given approval for tie up with American Airlines and Iberia |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7233020/British-Airways-given-approval-for-tie-up-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |first=Kamal |last=Ahmed |work=The Telegraph |location= London |date=14 February 2010 |access-date=15 July 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140320103337/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7233020/British-Airways-given-approval-for-tie-up-with-American-Airlines-and-Iberia.html |archive-date=20 March 2014 |url-status=live}} On 6 October 2010 the alliance between British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia formally began operations. The alliance generates an estimated £230 million in annual cost-saving for BA, in addition to the £330 million which would be saved by the merger with Iberia.{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airlines-unveil-new-deal-for-transatlantic-flyers-2101207.html |work=The Independent |location= London |title=Airlines unveil 'new deal for transatlantic flyers' |date=8 October 2010|access-date=8 October 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121109091900/http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/airlines-unveil-new-deal-for-transatlantic-flyers-2101207.html |archive-date=9 November 2012 |url-status=live}} This merger was finalised on 21 January 2011, resulting in the establishment of International Airlines Group S.A. (IAG), the world's third-largest airline in terms of annual revenue and the second-largest airline group in Europe.

{{cite news |url= http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Iberia%20expects%20to%20complete%20merger%20with%20BA%20in%20January/-/1006/1041268/-/x2a6bh/-/index.html |work=Daily Nation |location= Nairobi |title=Iberia expects to complete merger with British Airways in January |access-date=18 November 2010 |date=27 October 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110722133933/http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Iberia%20expects%20to%20complete%20merger%20with%20BA%20in%20January/-/1006/1041268/-/x2a6bh/-/index.html |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=live}}

Prior to merging, British Airways owned a 13.5% stake in Iberia, and thus received ownership of 55% of the combined International Airlines Group; Iberia's other shareholders received the remaining 45%.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8356780.stm|title=BA and Iberia agree merger deal|work=BBC News|date=12 November 2009 |access-date=23 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101126154100/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8356780.stm |archive-date=26 November 2010|url-status=live}} As a part of the merger, British Airways ceased trading independently on the London Stock Exchange after 23 years as a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jan/20/british-airways-trades-last-time-merger |title=British Airways trades for last time ahead of Iberia merger |newspaper=The Guardian|location= London |agency=PA Media|access-date=21 January 2011 |date=20 January 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140101020541/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/jan/20/british-airways-trades-last-time-merger |archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=live}}

In September 2010 Willie Walsh, now CEO of IAG, announced that the group was considering acquiring other airlines and had drawn up a shortlist of twelve possible acquisitions.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/sep/06/british-airways-willie-walsh|title=British Airways most likely to buy LAN Airlines first – Paddy Power|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 September 2010|access-date=6 September 2010|location=London|first=Graeme|last=Wearden|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113110612/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/sep/06/british-airways-willie-walsh|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}} In November 2011 IAG announced an agreement in principle to purchase British Midland International from Lufthansa.{{cite press release|title= Lufthansa and IAG reach agreement in principle on the sale of British Midland Ltd.|url= http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/news-releases/singleview/archive/2011/november/04/article/2025.html|publisher= Deutsche Lufthansa AG|date= 4 November 2011|access-date= 2 December 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111207125438/http://presse.lufthansa.com/en/news-releases/singleview/archive/2011/november/04/article/2025.html|archive-date= 7 December 2011|df= dmy-all}} A contract to purchase the airline was agreed the next month,{{cite news |title=British Airways owner IAG seals deal to buy BMI for £172.5m |first1=Alistair |last1=Osborne |first2=Amy |last2=Wilson |name-list-style=amp |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8972188/British-Airways-owner-IAG-seals-deal-to-buy-BMI-for-172.5m.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=22 December 2011 |access-date=1 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228002739/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8972188/British-Airways-owner-IAG-seals-deal-to-buy-BMI-for-172.5m.html |archive-date=28 December 2011 |url-status=live }} and the sale was completed for £172.5 million on 30 March 2012.{{cite news |title=Is British Airways giving up enough to buy BMI? |first=Douglas |last=Fraser |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17569748 |work=BBC News |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=3 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402014706/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17569748 |archive-date=2 April 2012 |url-status=live }} The airline established a new subsidiary based at London City Airport operating Airbus A318s.{{cite news |title=BA to operate A318 on new flight |first=David |last=Kaminski-Morrow |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ba-to-operate-premium-a318s-under-new-subsidiary-372970/ |work=Flightglobal |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=12 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830115332/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ba-to-operate-premium-a318s-under-new-subsidiary-372970/ |archive-date=30 August 2012 |url-status=live }}

File:British Airways Iberia aircraft tails BA IB.jpg

British Airways was the official airline partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. On 18 May 2012 it flew the Olympic flame from Athens International Airport to RNAS Culdrose while carrying various dignitaries, including Lord Sebastian Coe, Princess Anne, the Olympics minister Hugh Robertson and the London Mayor Boris Johnson, along with the footballer David Beckham.{{cite news |title=Olympic torch: Flame arrives in UK for 2012 torch relay |first=Claire |last=Heald |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410 |work=BBC News |date=18 May 2012 |access-date=15 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016075720/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=live }}

On 27 May 2017, British Airways suffered a computer power failure. All flights were cancelled and thousands of passengers were affected.{{cite news |date=27 May 2017 |title=British Airways: Chaos continues at Heathrow |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40074751 |access-date=25 January 2024 |work=BBC News }} By the following day, the company had not succeeded in reestablishing the normal function of its computer systems. When asked by reporters for more information on the ongoing problems, British Airways stated "The root cause was a power supply issue which our affected our IT systems - we continue to investigate this" and declined to comment further.{{cite news |date=28 May 2017 |title=Five questions for BA over IT crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40075721 |access-date=25 January 2024 |work=BBC News }} Willie Walsh later attributed the crash to an electrical engineer disconnecting the UPS and said there would be an independent investigation.{{cite news |date=5 June 2017 |title=British Airways says IT chaos was caused by human error |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40159202 |access-date=25 January 2024 |work=BBC News }}

Amidst the decline in the value of Iranian currency due to the reintroduction of U.S. sanctions on Iran, BA announced that the Iranian route is "not commercially viable". As a result, BA decided to stop its services in Iran, effective 22 September 2018.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45288659 |title=BA and Air France to stop flights to Iran |date=23 August 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180823233337/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45288659 |archive-date=23 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url= https://www.voanews.com/a/british-airways-air-france-halt-flights-iran-next-month/4541503.html |title=British Airways, Air France to Halt Flights to Iran as of Next Month |agency=Reuters |work=Voice of America |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180823212902/https://www.voanews.com/a/british-airways-air-france-halt-flights-iran-next-month/4541503.html |archive-date=23 August 2018 |url-status= live}}

In 2018, British Airways partnered with British tailor and designer Ozwald Boateng to redesign the company's historic uniforms, in honour of its approaching centenary, creating a new look for BA, while adhering to its traditional style. The new collection "A British Original" was launched in 2023.{{cite press release|title=British designer, Ozwald Boateng to design new uniforms for British Airways|url=https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/0/10131|website=British Airways|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=London|access-date=28 July 2022|archive-date=28 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728164205/https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/0/10131|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=British Airways unveils new uniforms by Ozwald Boateng|url=https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/british-airways-unveils-new-uniforms-by-ozwald-boateng/2023010967137|website=Fashion United|publisher=Danielle Wightman-Stone|location=UK|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115094409/https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/british-airways-unveils-new-uniforms-by-ozwald-boateng/2023010967137|url-status=live}} This design initiative also included English bone china manufactured by William Edwards and cutlery by Studio William for the company's first class service.{{cite web |date=13 March 2019 |title=A look inside British Airways' brand new first-class luxury cabins |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3001249/look-inside-british-airways-brand-new-first-class |access-date=2 March 2023 |website=South China Morning Post |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302103118/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3001249/look-inside-british-airways-brand-new-first-class |url-status=live }}

In 2019, as part of the celebrations of a centenary of airline operations in the United Kingdom, British Airways announced that four aircraft would receive retro liveries. The first of these is a Boeing 747-400 (G-BYGC), which was repainted into the former BOAC livery, which it retained until its retirement. Two more Boeing 747-400s were repainted with former British Airways liveries. One wore the "Landor" livery until its retirement in 2020 (G-BNLY), the other (G-CIVB), wore the original "Union Jack" livery until its retirement in 2020 also. An Airbus A319 was repainted into British European Airways livery, which is still flying as G-EUPJ.{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-boac-747-retrojet-marks-british-airways-ce-455845 |title=PICTURES: BOAC 747 retrojet marks British Airways centenary |first=Max |last=Kingsley-Jones |work=FlightGlobal|publisher=DVV Media Group|location=London |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218160427/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-boac-747-retrojet-marks-british-airways-ce-455845/ |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live }}

On 28 April 2020, the company set out plans to make up to 12,000 staff redundant because of the global collapse of air traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic{{cite news|title=British Airways plans to make up to 12,000 staff redundant|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/28/british-airways-plans-to-make-up-to-12000-staff-redundant|last=Neate|first=Rupert|date=28 April 2020|access-date=29 April 2020|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|archive-date=28 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428235102/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/28/british-airways-plans-to-make-up-to-12000-staff-redundant|url-status=live}} and that it may not reopen its operations at Gatwick airport.{{cite news|date=30 April 2020|title=BA may not reopen at Gatwick once pandemic passes|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52489013|access-date=6 May 2020|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501020642/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52489013|url-status=live}} They reopened at Gatwick in March 2022.{{cite news |title=British Airways returns to Gatwick following South Terminal reopening - follow live |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-gatwick-south-terminal-europe-b2046303.html |access-date=16 January 2024 |work=The Independent |date=29 March 2022 }}

In July 2020, British Airways announced the immediate retirement of its entire 747-400 fleet, having originally intended to phase out the remaining 747s in 2024. The airline stated that its decision to bring forward the date was in part due to the downturn in air travel following the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on incorporating more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. At the same time, British Airways also announced its intention to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.{{cite news |date=17 July 2020 |title=British Airways retires entire 747 fleet after travel downturn |work=BBC News |last=Leggett|first=Theo|location=London|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53426886 |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724211729/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53426886 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title= Former British Airways pilot on flying iconic Boeing 747 jumbo jet |last=Roenschein|first=Alastair|url= https://news.sky.com/story/former-british-airways-pilot-on-flying-iconic-boeing-747-jumbo-jet-12030454 |access-date= 26 April 2021 |work=Sky News|archive-date= 9 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200809143207/https://news.sky.com/story/former-british-airways-pilot-on-flying-iconic-boeing-747-jumbo-jet-12030454 |url-status= live }} On 28 July 2020, the company's cabin crew union issued an "industrial action" warning in order to prevent the 12,000 job cuts and pay cuts.{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b4d46104-31cf-479a-882f-a6e98982e6fb |title=British Airways cabin crew union warns of strike over job cuts |newspaper=Financial Times |location=London|publisher=Nikkei, Inc.|last=Powley |first=Tanya |url-access=subscription|date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728215547/https://www.ft.com/content/b4d46104-31cf-479a-882f-a6e98982e6fb |url-status=live }}

On 12 October 2020, it was announced that Sean Doyle, CEO of Aer Lingus (also part of the IAG airline group) would succeed Álex Cruz as CEO.{{cite news |last1=Sweney |first1=Mark |title=Alex Cruz steps down as BA chief in wake of Covid job cuts row |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/12/alex-cruz-ba-covid-job-cuts-british-airways-sean-doyle |access-date=12 October 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=12 October 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407051819/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/12/alex-cruz-ba-covid-job-cuts-british-airways-sean-doyle |url-status=live }}

The key trends for the British Airways PLC Group are shown below.{{Cite web |title=Annual reports {{!}} Operating Companies |url=https://www.iairgroup.com/investors-and-shareholders/financial-reporting/annual-reports/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |website=IAG}}

On the merger with Iberia, the accounting reference date was changed from 31 March to 31 December; figures below are therefore for the years to 31 March up to 2010, for the nine months to 31 December 2010, and for the years to 31 December thereafter:

In 2020, due to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, British Airways had to reduce its 42,000-strong workforce by 12,000 jobs. According to the estimate by IAG, a parent company, it will take the air travel industry several years to return to previous performance and profitability levels.{{cite news |date=28 April 2020 |title=British Airways set to cut up to 12,000 jobs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52462660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428235138/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52462660 |archive-date=28 April 2020 |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=BBC News}}

However, 2022 saw a dramatic increase in travel, and the company now faced a worker shortage, forcing it to cancel more than 1,500 flights.{{cite news |date=5 July 2022 |title=British Airways cancels 1,500 more flights |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62038929 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811135156/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62038929 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |access-date=6 July 2022 |publisher=BBC News}} During February 2023, The international airlines group, the owners of British Airways announced that the group has returned to making an annual profit of €1.3 billion for the first time since the pandemic, following a €2.8 billion loss in 2021. The company warned that due to the surge in demand for flying this could lead to more disruption.{{cite news |date=24 February 2023 |title=British Airways owner returns to annual profit for first time since pandemic |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9803c6ef-8331-418a-b4ba-d01c78ed772f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330085826/https://ft.com/content/9803c6ef-8331-418a-b4ba-d01c78ed772f |archive-date=30 March 2023 |access-date=24 February 2023 |work=Financial Times}}

British Airways is the largest airline based in the United Kingdom in terms of fleet size, international flights, and international destinations and was, until 2008, the largest airline by passenger numbers. The airline carried 34.6 million passengers in 2008, but, rival carrier easyJet transported 44.5 million passengers that year, passing British Airways for the first time.

{{cite news|title=British Airways Traffic Statistics 2008|url=http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/microsites/ba_reports0809/financial/opfin_stats.html|work=British Airways|access-date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620072138/http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/microsites/ba_reports0809/financial/opfin_stats.html|archive-date=20 June 2009|url-status=live}}

{{cite news|title=Passenger statistics for December 2008|url=http://easyjet.com/EN/News/dec_08_passenger_statistics.html|work=EasyJet|access-date=24 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129132555/http://www.easyjet.com/EN/News/dec_08_passenger_statistics.html|archive-date=29 January 2009}} British Airways holds a United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence, it is permitted to carry passengers, cargo, and mail on aircraft with 20 or more seats.{{cite web|url=http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 |title=Description of UK Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence |work=Civil Aviation Authority |access-date=5 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311005729/http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=183&pagetype=90&pageid=340 |archive-date=11 March 2007 }}

File:WatersideBAHQLondon.jpg, the head office building of British Airways]]

The airlines' head office, Waterside, stands in Harmondsworth, a village that is near Heathrow Airport.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/aboutba/public/en_gb|work=British Airways|title=About British Airways – Waterside|access-date=27 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831095614/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/aboutba/public/en_gb|archive-date=31 August 2009|url-status=live}} Waterside was completed in June 1998 to replace British Airways' previous head office, Speedbird House,{{cite web|title=World Airline Directory: 26 March – 1 April 1997|work=Flight International|date=26 March 1997|access-date=3 October 2010|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%200826.html?search=%22British%20Airways%2258|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119124959/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%200826.html?search=%22British%20Airways%2258|archive-date=19 November 2015|url-status=live}}Willcock, John. "[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/people-and-business-toy-story-is-just-a-fable-1176710.html People and Business: Toy story is just a fable] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621090818/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/people-and-business-toy-story-is-just-a-fable-1176710.html |date=21 June 2017 }}." The Independent. Wednesday 7 October 1998. Retrieved 27 February 2010. "This is a lot more complimentary than the nickname for BA's old head office, Speedbird House, universally known as "Birdseed House". How cheap." located in Technical Block C on the grounds of Heathrow.{{cite news|last=Calder|first=Simon|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-waterside-heathrow-airport-ba-hq-a9643851.html|title=British Airways to mothball £200m Heathrow HQ in cost-cutting move|newspaper=The Independent|date=19 July 2020|access-date=21 February 2021|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301073436/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-waterside-heathrow-airport-ba-hq-a9643851.html|url-status=live}}

British Airways' main base is at Heathrow Airport, but it also has a major presence at Gatwick Airport. It also has a base at London City Airport, where its subsidiary BA CityFlyer is the largest operator. BA had previously operated a significant hub at Manchester Airport. Manchester to New York (JFK) services were withdrawn; later all international services outside London ceased when the subsidiary BA Connect was sold. Passengers wishing to travel internationally with BA either to or from regional UK destinations must now transfer in London.{{cite news|title=Flights hit by BA sale to Flybe|date=5 March 2007|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6418391.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021145639/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6418391.stm|archive-date=21 October 2012|url-status=live}} Heathrow Airport is dominated by British Airways, which owns 50% of the slots available at the airport as of 2019,{{cite web|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9062/|title=Airport slots - House of Commons Library|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226082513/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9062/|url-status=live}} growing from 40% in 2004.{{cite news|first=David|last=Gow|title=BA outbid for Heathrow slots|date=21 January 2004|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/jan/21/theairlineindustry.britishairways|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827215515/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/jan/21/theairlineindustry.britishairways|archive-date=27 August 2013|url-status=live}} The majority of BA services operate from Terminal 5, with the exception of some flights at Terminal 3 owing to insufficient capacity at Terminal 5. At London City Airport, the company owns 52% of the slots as of 2019.

In August 2014, Willie Walsh advised the airline would continue to use flight paths over Iraq despite the hostilities there. A few days earlier Qantas announced it would avoid Iraqi airspace, while other airlines did likewise. The issue arose following the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine, and a temporary suspension of flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport during the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict.{{cite news|title=British Airways CEO insists flights over Iraq are safe|url=http://www.theuknews.com/index.php/sid/224382415/scat/0f440bf3fff89f01/ht/British-Airways-CEO-insists-flights-over-Iraq-are-safe|access-date=2 August 2014|publisher=The UK News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053222/http://www.theuknews.com/index.php/sid/224382415/scat/0f440bf3fff89f01/ht/British-Airways-CEO-insists-flights-over-Iraq-are-safe|archive-date=8 August 2014}}

Over its history, BA has had many subsidiaries. In addition to the below, British Airways also owned Airways Aero Association, the operator of the British Airways flying club based at Wycombe Air Park in High Wycombe, until it was sold to Surinder Arora in 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.bafc.co.uk/history.shtml|title=History of BAFC|work=Airways Aero Associations|access-date=11 September 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080311174217/http://www.bafc.co.uk/history.shtml |archive-date = 11 March 2008}}

File:2010-06-30 B757 OpenSkies F-HAVN EDDF 02.jpg Boeing 757-200 landing at Frankfurt Airport]]

File:British Airways (Comair) B727-230 ZS-NVR (13893472608).jpg Boeing 727-230 at O. R. Tambo International Airport]]

British Airways obtained a 15% stake in the now-defunct UK regional airline Flybe from the sale of BA Connect in March 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.flybe.com/news/0703/02.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225142020/http://www.flybe.com/news/0703/02.htm|archive-date=25 February 2008|title=Completion of acquisition by Flybe of BA connect|work=Flybe|date=5 March 2007}} It sold the stake in 2014.{{cite web |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/british-airways-parent-iag-sells-flybe-stake-1403275077 |title = British Airways Parent IAG Sells Flybe Stake |publisher = Wall Street Journal |first = Robert |last = Wall |date = 20 June 2014 }}

BA also owned a 10% stake in InterCapital and Regional Rail (ICRR), the company that managed the operations of Eurostar (UK) Ltd from 1998 to 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/ownership_structure.jsp|title=Ownership & Structure|work=Eurostar|access-date=5 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090508110025/http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/about_eurostar/company_information/ownership_structure.jsp|archive-date=8 May 2009}}{{cite news | url=http://www.allrailjobs.co.uk/article/eurostar-restructure-sees-uk-expand-rail-stake-5377.htm | publisher=AllRailJobs.co.uk | title=Eurostar restructure sees UK expand rail stake | access-date=18 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061754/http://www.allrailjobs.co.uk/article/eurostar-restructure-sees-uk-expand-rail-stake-5377.htm | archive-date=23 October 2013 | df=dmy-all }} when the management of Eurostar was restructured.{{cite web |title=House of Commons Hansard Ministerial Statements for 19 June 2014 (pt 0001) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm140619/wmstext/140619m0001.htm |website=UK Parliament |publisher=House of Commons |access-date=3 October 2014}}{{cite web |title=UK government has reached agreement for the sale of its entire interest in Eurostar International Limited ("Eurostar") for £757.1m |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-reaches-agreement-on-the-sale-of-its-entire-interest-in-eurostar-for-7571m |access-date=2 April 2015 |website=GOV.uk}}{{Cite web |title=Behind the scenes |url=http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/about-eurostar/our-company/behind-the-scenes |publisher=Eurostar Group |location=Brussels}}

Staff working for British Airways are represented by a number of trade unions, pilots are represented by British Air Line Pilots' Association, cabin crew by British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association (a branch of Unite the Union), while other branches of Unite the Union and the GMB Union represent other employees. Bob Ayling's management faced strike action by cabin crew over a £1 billion cost-cutting drive to return BA to profitability in 1997; this was the last time BA cabin crew would strike until 2009, although staff morale has reportedly been unstable since that incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/dec/15/british-airways-strike-background|work=The Guardian|title=BA strike: conflict that was always on airline's flight path|date=15 December 2009|access-date=4 July 2010|location=London|first=Dan|last=Milmo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130908174204/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2009/dec/15/british-airways-strike-background|archive-date=8 September 2013|url-status=live}} In an effort to increase interaction between management, employees, and the unions, various conferences and workshops have taken place, often with thousands in attendance.{{cite book |chapter-url=http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |last1=Bamber |first1=G. J. |last2=Gittell |first2=J. H. |last3=Kochan |first3=T. A. |last4=von Nordenflytch |first4=A. |year=2009 |title=Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees |publisher=Cornell University Press, Ithaca |chapter=chapter 5 |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-date=31 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031004303/http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480 |url-status=live }}

In 2005, wildcat action was taken by union members over a decision by Gate Gourmet not to renew the contracts of 670 workers and replace them with agency staff; it is estimated that the strike cost British Airways £30 million and caused disruption to 100,000 passengers.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4162036.stm|title=Gate Gourmet probes union claims|work=BBC News|date=18 August 2005|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118195017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4162036.stm|archive-date=18 January 2013|url-status=live}} In October 2006, BA became involved in a civil rights dispute when a Christian employee was forbidden to wear a necklace bearing the cross, a religious symbol.{{cite news|title=Woman to sue BA in necklace row|work=BBC News|date=15 October 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6052608.stm|access-date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115182209/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/6052608.stm|archive-date=15 November 2011|url-status=live}} BA's practice of forbidding such symbols has been publicly questioned by British politicians such as the former Home Secretary John Reid and the former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.{{cite news |first = Lucy |last = Cockcroft |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/7028261/BA-wrong-to-ban-Christian-from-wearing-cross-because-it-plays-into-extremists-hands.html |title = BA 'wrong' to ban Christian from wearing cross because it 'plays into extremists' hands' |work = The Telegraph |date = 19 January 2010 |access-date = 2 April 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160415125723/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/7028261/BA-wrong-to-ban-Christian-from-wearing-cross-because-it-plays-into-extremists-hands.html |archive-date = 15 April 2016 |url-status = live |df = dmy-all }}

Relations have been turbulent between BA and Unite. In 2007, cabin crew threatened strike action over salary changes to be imposed by BA management. The strike was called off at the last minute, British Airways losing £80 million. In December 2009, a ballot for strike action over Christmas received a high level of support,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8411214.stm|title=British Airways cabin crew vote for Christmas strike|work=BBC News|date=14 December 2009|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219065442/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8411214.stm|archive-date=19 December 2010|url-status=live}} action was blocked by a court injunction that deemed the ballot illegal. Negotiations failed to stop strike action in March, BA withdrew perks for strike participants.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8584720.stm|title=BA Strikers to forfeit cheap travel perks|work=BBC News|date=24 March 2010|access-date=24 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219052714/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8584720.stm|archive-date=19 December 2010|url-status=live}} Allegations were made by The Guardian newspaper that BA had consulted outside firms methods to undermine the unions: the story was later withdrawn.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2010/apr/02/frank-burchill-apology|title=Apology to Frank Burchill|work=The Guardian|date=2 April 2010|access-date=6 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101054519/http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2010/apr/02/frank-burchill-apology|archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=live}} A strike was announced for May 2010, British Airways again sought an injunction. Members of the Socialist Workers Party disrupted negotiations between BA management and Unite to prevent industrial action.{{cite web|url=http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21303|title=Right to Work conference shows opposition to BA boss Willie Walsh|work=Socialist Worker|date=22 May 2010|access-date=6 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527232042/http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21303|archive-date=27 May 2010}} Further disruption struck when Derek Simpson, a Unite co-leader, was discovered to have leaked details of confidential negotiations online via Twitter.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10143076.stm|title=Unite union says BA strike to go ahead|work=BBC News|date=23 May 2010|access-date=16 July 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107080959/https://www.bbc.com/news/10143076|url-status=live}} Industrial action re-emerged in 2017, this time by BA's Mixed Fleet flight attendants, whom were employed on much less favorable pay and terms and conditions compared to previous cabin staff who joined prior to 2010. A ballot for industrial action was distributed to Mixed Fleet crew in November 2016{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/nov/11/british-airways-cabin-crew-vote-industrial-action-heathrow-wages | work=The Guardian | title=British Airways cabin crew to vote for possible industrial action | date=11 November 2016 | access-date=19 July 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803172239/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/nov/11/british-airways-cabin-crew-vote-industrial-action-heathrow-wages | archive-date=3 August 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} and resulted in an overwhelming yes majority for industrial action.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38319538 |work=BBC News |title=British Airways crew vote for Heathrow strike |date=14 December 2016 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106212612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38319538 |archive-date=6 January 2017 |url-status=live }} Unite described Mixed Fleet crew as on "poverty pay", with many Mixed Fleet flight attendants sleeping in their cars in between shifts because they cannot afford the fuel to drive home, or operating while sick as they cannot afford to call in sick and lose their pay for the shift. Unite also blasted BA of removing staff travel concessions, bonus payments and other benefits to all cabin crew who undertook industrial action, as well as strike-breaking tactics such as wet-leasing aircraft from other airlines and offering financial incentives for cabin crew not to strike.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-strike-cabin-crew-1-july-why-dates-what-flights-delay-cancellations-when-times-a7797746.html |work=The Independent |title=British Airways strike: everything you need to know about 1 July cabin crew walkout |date=27 June 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715155747/http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-strike-cabin-crew-1-july-why-dates-what-flights-delay-cancellations-when-times-a7797746.html |archive-date=15 July 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/british-airways-cabin-crew-stage-new-two-week-strike-1631060 |work=International Business Times |title=British Airways cabin crew to stage new two-week strike |date=19 July 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719180214/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/british-airways-cabin-crew-stage-new-two-week-strike-1631060 |archive-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=live }} The first dates of strikes during Christmas 2016 were cancelled due to pay negotiations.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/22/british-airways-cabin-crews-suspend-strikes-over-christmas |work=The Guardian |title=British Airways cabin crews suspend strikes over Christmas |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803180019/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/22/british-airways-cabin-crews-suspend-strikes-over-christmas |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=live }} Industrial action by Mixed Fleet commenced in January 2017 after rejecting a pay offer.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-airways-strike-cabin-crew-new-48-hour-walkout-pay-offer-a7507796.html |work=The Independent |title=British Airways strike: Cabin crew declare new 48-hour walkout after rejecting pay offer |date=3 January 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803173420/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-airways-strike-cabin-crew-new-48-hour-walkout-pay-offer-a7507796.html |archive-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=live }} Strike action continued throughout 2017 in numerous discontinuous periods, resulting in one of the longest running disputes in aviation history.{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/ba-cabin-crew-strike-extended-to-august-bank-holiday-10972081|work=Sky News|title=BA cabin crew strike extended to August bank holiday|date=3 August 2017|access-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803172449/http://news.sky.com/story/ba-cabin-crew-strike-extended-to-august-bank-holiday-10972081|archive-date=3 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://stv.tv/news/uk/1393883-ba-crew-set-to-strike-for-further-two-weeks-in-august/ |work=STV News |title=British Airways crew to strike for further two weeks |date=19 July 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803171500/https://stv.tv/news/uk/1393883-ba-crew-set-to-strike-for-further-two-weeks-in-august/ |archive-date=3 August 2017 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/cabin-crew-at-british-airways-to-stage-14day-strike-in-pay-dispute-35947956.html |work=Belfast Telegraph |title=Cabin crew at British Airways to stage 14-day strike in pay dispute |date=19 July 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719174838/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/cabin-crew-at-british-airways-to-stage-14day-strike-in-pay-dispute-35947956.html |archive-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2017-07-19/ba-crew-set-to-strike-for-further-two-weeks-in-august/ |work=ITV News |title=BA crew set to strike for further two weeks in August |date=19 July 2017 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719171759/http://www.itv.com/news/2017-07-19/ba-crew-set-to-strike-for-further-two-weeks-in-august/ |archive-date=19 July 2017 |url-status=live }} On 31 October 2017, after 85 days of discontinuous industrial action, Mixed Fleet accepted a new pay deal from BA which ended the dispute.{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/british-airways-cabin-crew-land-new-pay-deal-to-end-strikes-11107131|work=Sky News|title=British Airways cabin crew land new pay deal to end strikes|date=31 October 2017|access-date=4 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101005856/http://news.sky.com/story/british-airways-cabin-crew-land-new-pay-deal-to-end-strikes-11107131|archive-date=1 November 2017|url-status=live}}

• Chairman: Sean Doyle (since April 2021){{cite web |website=British Airways |title=Sean Doyle, British Airways' Chairman and CEO |url=https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/factsheets/details/86/Management-Team-23/214?category=1&pgck=L2ZhY3RzaGVldHM- | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706135829/https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/factsheets/details/86/Management-Team-23/214?category=1&pgck=L2ZhY3RzaGVldHM- | archive-date=6 July 2022 }}
• Chief Executive: Sean Doyle (since October 2020)

{{Main|List of British Airways destinations}}

File:Airbus A318 of British Airways at J.F.K. International Airport New York (USA).jpg parked alongside two Boeing 747-400s at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City. This aircraft operated a special route between London and New York and was equipped with an all-business class configuration (named "Club World London City").]]

British Airways serves over 170 destinations in 70 countries, including eight domestic and 27 in the United States.{{cite web |title=Overview: British Airways |website=Routes Online |url=https://www.routesonline.com/airlines/3195/british-airways/ |access-date=8 August 2022 |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808133134/https://www.routesonline.com/airlines/3195/british-airways/ |url-status=live }}

British Airways co-founded the airline alliance Oneworld in 1999 with airlines American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas.{{cite web |first1=Beatrice |last1=Copeland |date=7 June 2022 |title=Often asked: Is British Airways part of the Star Alliance? |url=https://www.dekooktips.com/advices/often-asked-is-british-airways-part-of-the-star-alliance.html |access-date=11 July 2022 |website=De Kooktips - Homepage - Beginpagina |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711164443/https://www.dekooktips.com/advices/often-asked-is-british-airways-part-of-the-star-alliance.html |url-status=live }}

British Airways has codeshares with the following airlines:{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/british-airways-ba|title=Profile on British Airways|website=CAPA|publisher=Centre for Aviation|access-date=1 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101205517/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/british-airways-ba|archive-date=1 November 2016}}

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Aer Lingus
• airBaltic
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Bangkok Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines{{cite web|title=British Airways Signs Codeshare Agreement With China Southern Airlines|url=http://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/2017-228/9067?ref=TopStory|website=mediacentre.britishairways.com|access-date=20 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053051/http://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/2017-228/9067?ref=TopStory|archive-date=22 December 2017}}
• Finnair
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Kenya Airways{{cite web |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2021/10/24/british-airways-forms-new-codeshare-with-kenya-airways/ |title=British Airways Forms New Codeshare with Kenya Airways – AirlineGeeks.com |date=24 October 2021 |access-date=25 October 2021 |archive-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025160501/https://airlinegeeks.com/2021/10/24/british-airways-forms-new-codeshare-with-kenya-airways/ |url-status=live }}
• LATAM Brasil{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241016-balacodeshare|title=British Airways / LATAM Brasil Expands Codeshare Network From late-Oct 2024}}
• LATAM Chile
• Loganair{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15477546.Rising_number_of_flights_spark_fear_that_island_airport_will_be_overwhelmed_with_passengers/?ref=mrb&lp=20|title=Rising number of flights spark fear that island airport will be overwhelmed with passengers|website=HeraldScotland|date=17 August 2017 |access-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817204354/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15477546.Rising_number_of_flights_spark_fear_that_island_airport_will_be_overwhelmed_with_passengers/?ref=mrb&lp=20|archive-date=17 August 2017}}{{cite journal|title=Loganair Lands BA Tie-up|journal=Airliner World|issue=October 2017|page=5}}
• Malaysia Airlines{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/286749/british-airways-malaysia-airlines-begins-codeshare-partnership-from-oct-2019/|title=British Airways / Malaysia Airlines begins codeshare partnership from Oct 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043521/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/286749/british-airways-malaysia-airlines-begins-codeshare-partnership-from-oct-2019/|url-status=live}}
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Royal Jordanian
• S7 Airlines{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=British Airways expands S7 Airlines domestic Russia codeshare in S19 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/283942/british-airways-expands-s7-airlines-domestic-russia-codeshare-in-s19/ |access-date=18 April 2019 |work=Routesonline |date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=18 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418072048/https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/283942/british-airways-expands-s7-airlines-domestic-russia-codeshare-in-s19/ |url-status=live }}
• TAAG Angola Airlines
• Vueling

{{div col end}}

{{Main|British Airways fleet}}

{{As of|2025|02}}, the British Airways operates a fleet of 274 aircraft with 42 orders. BA operates a mix of Airbus narrow and wide-body aircraft, and Boeing wide-body aircraft, specifically the 777 and 787. In October 2020, British Airways retired its fleet of 747-400 aircraft. It was one of the largest operators of the 747, having previously operated the -100, -200, and -400 aircraft from 1974 (1969 with BOAC).{{cite news|date=17 July 2020|title=British Airways retires entire 747 fleet after travel downturn|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53426886|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=17 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717044317/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53426886|url-status=live}}

The airline has its own engineering branch to maintain its aircraft fleet, this includes line maintenance at over 70 airports around the world.{{cite web |url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/baengineeringmaintenance/public/en_gb |title=British Airways Engineering |publisher=Britishairways.com |access-date=2 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531173942/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/baengineeringmaintenance/public/en_gb |archive-date=31 May 2010 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url = https://jetlinemarvel.net/10-interesting-facts-about-british-airways/ |title = 10 Interesting facts about British Airways |website = jetlinemarvel.net|date = 25 March 2018 }} Amongst the company's various hangar facilities are its two major maintenance centres at Glasgow and Cardiff Airports.{{cite web |url = https://www.dextragroup.co.uk/projects/british-airways-maintenance-hangar/ |title = British Airways Maintenance Hangar: Glasgow Airport |website = dextragroup.co.uk |access-date = 19 October 2024}}{{cite web |url = http://sectors.interserve.com/aviation/case-studies/321/british-airways-maintenance-cardiff |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100921012624/http://sectors.interserve.com/aviation/case-studies/321/british-airways-maintenance-cardiff |title = British Airways maintenance, Cardiff |website = interserve.com |access-date = 19 October 2024|archive-date = 21 September 2010 }}

File:British Airways at Terminal 5 in 2011.jpg]]

File:Typeface sample Mylius Modern.png

The musical theme predominantly used on British Airways advertising has been "The Flower Duet" by Léo Delibes.{{cite web|url=http://www.chrisworthproductions.com/track_details.php?id=858|title=Flower Duet (From Lakme) by Leo Delibes|work=Chris Worth Productions|access-date=8 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121432/http://www.chrisworthproductions.com/track_details.php?id=858|archive-date=29 September 2007}} This was first used in a 1984 advertisement directed by Tony Scott, in an arrangement by Howard Blake.{{cite web |url=https://www.howardblake.com/music/Verse-Prose/662/WALKING-IN-THE-AIR-CAN-BE-DANGEROUS.htm#bio_44 |title=Howard Blake *AUTOBIOGRAPHY in Verse & Prose |publisher=Howardblake.com |date= |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-date=8 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708123726/https://www.howardblake.com/music/Verse-Prose/662/WALKING-IN-THE-AIR-CAN-BE-DANGEROUS.htm#bio_44 |url-status=live }} It was reworked by Malcolm McLaren and Yanni for 1989's iconic "Face" advertisement,{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxs106rp5RQ|title=1989 British Airways Commercial|date=3 July 2006 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=19 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311105642/http://youtube.com/watch?v=jxs106rp5RQ|archive-date=11 March 2007|url-status=live}} and subsequently appeared in many different arrangements between 1990 and 2010. The slogan 'the world's favourite airline', first used in 1983, was dropped in 2001 after Lufthansa overtook BA in terms of passenger numbers.{{cite news|title=British Airways takes off|date=22 May 2001|url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/05/22/europe/ba/|publisher=CNN|access-date=28 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605100800/https://money.cnn.com/2001/05/22/europe/ba/|archive-date=5 June 2011|url-status=live}} Other advertising slogans have included "The World's Best Airline", "We'll Take More Care of You", "Fly the Flag", and "To Fly, To Serve".{{cite web |url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/41000627.html?dids=41000627:41000627&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Apr+30%2C+1999&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=BA+slogan+out+of+favour&pqatl=google |title = BA slogan out of favour |work = The Herald |date = 30 April 1999 |access-date = 5 July 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074456/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/41000627.html?dids=41000627:41000627&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Apr+30%2C+1999&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=BA+slogan+out+of+favour&pqatl=google |archive-date = 8 February 2013 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}

BA had an account for 23 years with Saatchi & Saatchi, an agency that created many of their most famous advertisements, including "The World's Biggest Offer"{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/22/business/british-air-giving-away-50000-tickets.html|title=British Air Giving Away 50,000 Tickets|first1=Steven|last1=Prokesch|first2=Special To the New York|last2=Times|work=The New York Times|date=22 March 1991|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115104736/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/22/business/british-air-giving-away-50000-tickets.html|url-status=live}} and the influential "Face" campaign. Saatchi & Saatchi later imitated this advert for Silverjet, a rival of BA, after BA discontinued their business activities.{{cite news|title=Saatchi ad gets revenge on BA|date=5 October 2007|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/oct/05/advertising|work=The Guardian|location=UK|first=Mark|last=Sweney|access-date=28 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101015531/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/oct/05/advertising|archive-date=1 January 2014|url-status=live}} Since 2007, BA used Bartle Bogle Hegarty as its advertising agency.{{cite web|url=http://www.bartleboglehegarty.com/Europe/Clients+Work.aspx|title=Clients & Work|work=Bartle Bogle Hegarty|access-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211202941/http://www.bartleboglehegarty.com/Europe/Clients%20Work.aspx|archive-date=11 February 2007}}

In October 2022, BA launched a brand new ad campaign, titled "A British Original" produced by London-based Uncommon Creative Studio. This was to be another record-breaking campaign for its use of 500 unique executions along with a series of 32 short films, coinciding with the launch of Ozwald Boateng's new collection of uniform.{{cite web | url=https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/uncommon-creative-studio-mg-british-airways-a-british-original-advertising-251022 | title=Reason for travel? British Airways ads take the mickey with 500 alternative responses | access-date=15 January 2023 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115104740/https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/uncommon-creative-studio-mg-british-airways-a-british-original-advertising-251022 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/uncommon-british-airways-british-original#:~:text=%27A%20British%20Original%27%20explores%20the,the%20purpose%20of%20your%20visit%3F | title=British Airways: A British Original by Uncommon | access-date=2 February 2023 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115104741/https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/uncommon-british-airways-british-original#:~:text=%27A%20British%20Original%27%20explores%20the,the%20purpose%20of%20your%20visit%3F | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/14478 | title=British Airways Unveils ITS New Uniform to More Than 30,000 Colleagues | access-date=15 January 2023 | archive-date=15 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115150701/https://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/14478 | url-status=live }}

British Airways purchased the internet domain ba.com in 2002 from previous owner Bell Atlantic,{{cite news | last=Calder | first=Simon | date=23 June 2005 | title=Online Travel: The Man Who Bought ba.com | work=The Independent | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/online-travel-the-man-who-bought-bacom-294622.html | access-date=18 October 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019062127/http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/online-travel-the-man-who-bought-bacom-294622.html | archive-date=19 October 2017 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }} 'BA' being the company's initialism and its IATA Airline code.{{cite web |url = https://www.iata.org/en/about/members/airline-list/british-airways/52/ |title = British Airways |website = iata.org |access-date = 19 October 2024}}

British Airways is the official airline of the Wimbledon Championship tennis tournament, and was the official airline and tier one partner of the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.{{cite web|url=http://agency.com/facts/press_release.asp?pid=63|publisher=Agency.com|title=British Airways Reminds Visitors to Leave Air Horn, Chili Dog at Home During Wimbledon|access-date=5 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030023228/http://www.agency.com/facts/press_release.asp?pid=63|archive-date=30 October 2010}}{{cite news |title=British Airways – official airline partner of London 2012 |access-date=22 June 2010 |url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/london-2012/public/en_gb |work=British Airways |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529201935/https://www.britishairways.com/travel/london-2012/public/en_gb |archive-date=29 May 2010 |url-status=live }} BA was also the official airline of England's bid to host the 2018 Football World Cup.{{cite news |title=BA part of 2018 World Cup History |date=27 April 2010 |url=http://www.england2018bid.com/news/223/ba-part-of-2018-world-cup-history.aspx |access-date=28 June 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607112956/http://www.england2018bid.com/news/223/ba-part-of-2018-world-cup-history.aspx |archive-date=7 June 2010 }}

High Life, founded in 1973, is the official in-flight magazine of the airline.{{cite web |url=http://www.cedarcom.co.uk/our-work/first-life.html |title=First Life |publisher=Cedarcom.co.uk |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708070459/http://www.cedarcom.co.uk/our-work/first-life.html |archive-date=8 July 2014 }}

The airline used a cartoon safety video from circa 2005 until 2017.{{cite news|last=Buckley |first=Julia|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-inflight-video-thandie-newton-gillian-anderson-chiwetel-ejiofor-ian-mckellen-a7849361.html|title=Celebs line up for British Airways' new safety video in uncertain times for the airline|work=The Independent|date=19 July 2017|access-date=28 April 2020|quote=[...]replacing the current animated film, which has run for the past 12 years.|archive-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722054422/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-inflight-video-thandie-newton-gillian-anderson-chiwetel-ejiofor-ian-mckellen-a7849361.html|url-status=live}} Beginning on 1 September 2017 the airline introduced the new Comic Relief live action safety video hosted by Chabuddy G, with appearances by British celebrities Gillian Anderson,{{cite news|last=Loughrey |first=Clarisse|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/chabuddy-g-british-airways-safety-video-ian-mckellen-thandie-newton-a7855661.html|title=Chabuddy G directs hilarious star-studded safety video for British Airways|work=The Independent|date=23 July 2017|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=26 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726052029/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/chabuddy-g-british-airways-safety-video-ian-mckellen-thandie-newton-a7855661.html|url-status=live}} Rowan Atkinson,{{cite web|last=Kiefaber |first=David|url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/all-your-favorite-englishmen-and-women-pop-up-in-british-airways-new-flight-safety-video/|title=All Your Favorite Englishmen and Women Pop Up in British Airways' New Flight|work=Adweek|date=20 July 2017|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723024222/https://www.adweek.com/creativity/all-your-favorite-englishmen-and-women-pop-up-in-british-airways-new-flight-safety-video/|url-status=live}} Jim Broadbent, Rob Brydon, Warwick Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ian McKellen, Thandie Newton, and Gordon Ramsay. A "sequel" video, also hosted by Chabuddy G, was released in 2018, with Michael Caine, Olivia Colman, Jourdan Dunn, Naomie Harris, Joanna Lumley, and David Walliams.{{cite web|last=Campbell |first=Felicity|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/british-airways-hilarious-new-safety-video-stars-sir-michael-caine-and-joanna-lumley-1.745990|title=British Airways' hilarious new safety video stars Sir Michael Caine and Joanna Lumley|work=The National|date=1 July 2018|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=3 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703190000/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/british-airways-hilarious-new-safety-video-stars-sir-michael-caine-and-joanna-lumley-1.745990|url-status=live}} The two videos are part of Comic Relief's charity programme.{{cite web|last=Griner |first=David|url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/britains-most-masterful-actors-endure-endless-annoyance-for-british-airways-new-safety-video/|title=Britain's Most Masterful Actors Endure Endless Annoyance for British Airways' New Safety Video|work=Adweek|date=5 July 2018|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211171251/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/britains-most-masterful-actors-endure-endless-annoyance-for-british-airways-new-safety-video/|url-status=live}} On 17 April 2023, the airline launched a new safety video as a part of “A British Original” campaign, with Emma Raducanu, Robert Peston, Little Simz, and Steven Bartlett.{{cite web|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2023/04/19/ba-launches-inflight-safety-video-celebrating-things-that-make-britain-original/|title=BA launches inflight safety video celebrating "things that make Britain original"|website=Business Traveller|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005133523/https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2023/04/19/ba-launches-inflight-safety-video-celebrating-things-that-make-britain-original/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/british-airways-debuts-first-new-safety-video-since-2017/|title=British Airways Debuts First New Safety Video Since 2017|date=18 April 2023|website=Business Traveler USA|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005132846/https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/british-airways-debuts-first-new-safety-video-since-2017/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ba-new-safety-video-emma-raducanu-robert-peston-b2321142.html|title=New British Airways safety video features Robert Peston and rapper Little Simz|date=17 April 2023|website=The Independent|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=25 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525084930/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/ba-new-safety-video-emma-raducanu-robert-peston-b2321142.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://onemileatatime.com/news/british-airways-safety-video/|title=British Airways' New "British Original" Safety Video|date=17 April 2023|website=One Mile at a Time|access-date=21 September 2023|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005132755/https://onemileatatime.com/news/british-airways-safety-video/|url-status=live}}

{{main|History of British Airways#Liveries and logos}}

{{further|British Airways ethnic liveries}}

File:British Airways (Landor livery) Boeing 747-436 G-BNLY (City of Swansea) departing JFK Airport.jpg aircraft (registered as G-BNLY) is painted in the Landor Associates design.]]

The aeroplanes that British Airways inherited from the four-way merger between BOAC, BEA, Cambrian, and Northeast were temporarily given the text logo "British airways" but retained the original airline's livery. With its formation in 1974, British Airways' aeroplanes were given a new white, blue, and red colour scheme with a cropped Union Jack painted on their tail fins, designed by Negus & Negus. In 1984, a new livery designed by Landor Associates updated the airline's look as it prepared for privatization.{{cite web |first=Ray |last=Moseley |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/474804971.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+12%2C+1986&author=Ray+Moseley+Chicago+Tribune&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=British+Airways+scores+big+profit+turnaraound&pqatl=google |title=British Airways scores big profit turnaraound |work=Chicago Tribune |date=12 January 1986 |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074507/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/474804971.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+12%2C+1986&author=Ray+Moseley+Chicago+Tribune&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=British+Airways+scores+big+profit+turnaraound&pqatl=google |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead }} To celebrate its centenary in 2019, BA announced four retro liveries: three on Boeing 747-400 aircraft (one in each of BOAC, Negus & Negus, and Landor Associates liveries), and one A319 in BEA livery.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2019/01/21/british-airways-retro-boac-paint-scheme-boeing-747-british-overseas-corporation/2636261002/ |title=British Airways is giving one of its Boeing 747s a 1960s-ra paint scheme |author=Mutzabaugh, Ben |date=21 January 2019 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=1 February 2019}}{{cite press release |url=http://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/2019-319/10505 |title=British Airways to paint aircraft with much-loved design from airline's history |date=21 January 2019 |publisher=British Airways |access-date=1 February 2019}}

File:British Airways (27078321943).jpg

In 1997, there was a controversial change to a new Project Utopia livery; all aircraft used the corporate colours consistently on the fuselage, but tailfins bore one of multiple designs.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/by-their-tailfins-shall-we-know-them-1256015.html|title=By their tailfins shall we know them?|work=The Independent|date=15 June 1997|first=Hugh|last=Aldersey-Williams|access-date=28 June 2010|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104142727/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/by-their-tailfins-shall-we-know-them-1256015.html|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=live}} Several people spoke out against the change, including the former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who famously covered the tail of a model 747 at an event with a handkerchief, to show her displeasure.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1324788.stm |title=BA turns tail on colours |work=BBC News |date=11 May 2001 |access-date=6 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207175655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1324788.stm |archive-date=7 December 2008 |url-status=live }} BA's traditional rival, Virgin Atlantic, took advantage of the negative press coverage by applying the Union flag to the winglets of their aircraft along with the slogan "Britain's national flagcarrier".{{cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-60450784|title=Tony Parsons' column: Don't Jack it in yet|work=The Mirror|date=14 June 1999|last=Parsons|first=Tony|access-date=28 June 2010|archive-date=2 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202042650/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-60450784|url-status=live}}

In 1999, the CEO of British Airways, Bob Ayling, announced that all BA planes would adopt the tailfin design Chatham Dockyard Union Flag originally intended to be used only on the Concorde, based on the Union Flag.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/union-jack-is-back-on-the-worlds-favourite-airline-1098648.html|title=Union Jack is back on the world's favourite airline|work=The Independent|date=7 June 1999|access-date=28 June 2010|location=London|first=Warwick|last=Mansell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108044023/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/union-jack-is-back-on-the-worlds-favourite-airline-1098648.html|archive-date=8 November 2012|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

{{Infobox COA wide

| image = Armorial_Bearings_of_British_Airways.svg

| year_adopted = 1975

| notes = Originally granted to the British Airways Board (1975), transferred to British Airways Plc (1984), exemplified in favour of British Airways Plc pursuant to Royal License (1985).{{cite web |url=https://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/news-grants/newsletter/item/227-april-2024-newsletter-no-75 |title=

April 2024 Newsletter (no. 75) |date=April 2024 |publisher=College of Arms |access-date=6 May 2024}}

| crest = On a Wreath of the Colours, rising from an Astral Crown Or, a Sun irradiated proper.

| escutcheon = Argent between a Chief and a Bendlet sinister coupled Gules, a Gyron issuing from the dexter, the point in sinister chief Azure.

| supporters = On the Dexter a Pegasus Argent crined, unguled and winged Or, gorged with an Astral Crown Azure, holding in the mouth a sprig of Olive fructed proper; on the Sinister, a Lion guardant winged at the shoulders Or and gorged with an Astral Crown Azure. The whole upon a compartment of a grassy mound proper dimidating water barry wavy Azure and Argent.

| motto = TO FLY, TO SERVE{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wx38AwAAQBAJ |title=British Airways: An Illustrated History |last=Jarvis |first=Paul |date=2014 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1-4456-1869-2 |access-date=7 November 2022 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405042711/https://books.google.com/books?id=wx38AwAAQBAJ |url-status=live }}

}}

In 2011, British Airways made a brand relaunch project, in which BA introduced a stylised, metallic version of the arms by For People Design to be used along with its Speedmarque logo. This is used exclusively on aircraft, First Wing Lounge and advertisements.{{cite journal|url=https://www.theheraldrysociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CoA-222-Marsden-paper.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027163918/https://www.theheraldrysociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CoA-222-Marsden-paper.pdf |archive-date=27 October 2022 |url-status=live|title=British Airways' Unbreakable Promise|first=Andrew|last=Marsden|journal=The Coat of Arms|volume= |issue=222 |pages=81–4 |doi= |pmc= |pmid= |access-date=28 October 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://londonairtravel.com/2019/08/16/british-airways-100-years-british-airways-coat-of-arms/ |title=BA100: 41. The British Airways Coat Of Arms |publisher=London Air Travel |date=16 August 2019 |access-date=26 May 2022 |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027163921/https://londonairtravel.com/2019/08/16/british-airways-100-years-british-airways-coat-of-arms/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://samchui.com/2016/02/21/british-airways-b787-9-first-class-london-to-muscat-via-abu-dhabi/ |title=Review: British Airways First Class B787-9 London to Muscat via Abu Dhabi |first=Sam |last=Chui |date=21 February 2016 |access-date=16 October 2022 |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025204526/https://samchui.com/2016/02/21/british-airways-b787-9-first-class-london-to-muscat-via-abu-dhabi/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4JdQi60an0 |title=Aviators, British Airways To Fly To Serve |date=22 September 2016 |publisher=British Airways |via=YouTube |access-date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027163914/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4JdQi60an0 |url-status=live }}

In 2024, the damaged letters patent of the arms went up for auction online before being withdrawn.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=A British Airways armorial, framed. Frame measures 56x58cm. Condition… |url=https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gorringes/catalogue-id-srgo10427/lot-8eaa9b3f-db40-402a-8703-b1d400c926eb |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=archive.is |archive-date=28 August 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240828173840/https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gorringes/catalogue-id-srgo10427/lot-8eaa9b3f-db40-402a-8703-b1d400c926eb |url-status=deviated }}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-02 |title=WITHDRAWN |url=https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gorringes/catalogue-id-srgo10427/lot-8eaa9b3f-db40-402a-8703-b1d400c926eb |access-date=2024-09-02 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902203250/https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/gorringes/catalogue-id-srgo10427/lot-8eaa9b3f-db40-402a-8703-b1d400c926eb |url-status=live }}

British Airways' tiered loyalty programme, called the British Airways Club, is a programme designed to incentivise its members to travel on British Airways and other partners, by advertising benefits and awarding members with currency.

Members would accrue points called 'Avios' and 'tier points' based on methods permitted by the airline, which included flying on the airline itself.{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/consumer_affairs/article711216.ece|title=Now you can fly further with air loyalty plans|work=The Times|access-date=13 June 2009|first=Jessica|last=Bown|date=30 April 2006|location=London|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107080956/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}

Avios is a currency owned by its parent company International Airlines Group. 'Tier points' are used to determine a member's tier in the programme.

Once a member reached a high enough tier by attaining enough 'tier points', they could access airport lounges and dedicated "fast" queues.

Members of the programme were also granted status within the Oneworld alliance, which permitted similar benefits when flying with Oneworld member airlines. The level of benefits were determined by the member's tier.{{cite web |url=https://www.oneworld.com/members/british-airways |title=British Airways - oneworld Member Airline |website = oneworld.com |access-date=28 April 2023 }}

On the 1st of April 2025, the programme was rebranded from 'Executive Club' to 'The British Airways Club'.

In the 'Executive Club', 'tier points' were earned based on the airline, distance and cabin class flown.

In the 'British Airways Club', 'tier points' were now earnt based on absolute spending with the airline (including the fare component and carrier-imposed surcharges, but not Government Taxes or Airport fees such as Air Passenger Duty).

1 'Tier point' is awarded per £1 spent.{{Cite web |title=Introducing the British Airways Club |url=https://www.britishairways.com/content/executive-club/faqs/introducing-the-british-airways-club |access-date=21 January 2025 |website=British Airways}}

In the 'British Airways Club', qualification requirements (the amount of 'tier points' required) for the tiers were set as follows:

Bronze: 3500 'tier points'

Silver: 7500 'tier points'

Gold: 20,000 'tier points'

{{multiple image

| direction = vertical

| width = 220

| image1 = British Airways Airbus A319-131 Euro Traveller Cabin.jpg

| caption1 = British Airways' Euro Traveller cabin, installed on all of the airline's narrow-body aircraft.

| caption2 = A next generation Club World seat. These seats are available on all of BA's wide-body aircraft, except the Airbus A350-1000 XWB.

}}

Euro Traveller is British Airways' economy class cabin on all short-haul flights within Europe, including domestic flights within the UK.

Heathrow and Gatwick-based flights are operated by Airbus A320 series aircraft. Seat pitch varies from 78" to 31" depending on aircraft type and location of the seat.{{cite web |url = https://www.airlinequality.com/info/seat-pitch-guide/ |title = Seat Pitch Guide |website = airlinequality.com |access-date = 19 October 2024}}

All flights from Heathrow and Gatwick have a buy on board system with a range of food designed by Tom Kerridge.{{cite web |title=British Airways replaces M&S with Tom Kerridge food |first = Mark |last = Frary |website=businesstravelnewseurope.com |url=https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/Air-Travel/British-Airways-replaces-M-S-with-Tom-Kerridge-food |date=8 January 2021 }} Food can be pre-ordered through the British Airways mobile application.{{cite web |title=British Airways app allows economy passengers to order food to seat |date = 14 July 2021 |website=breakingtravelnews.com |url=https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/british-airways-app-allows-economy-passengers-to-order-food-to-seat/ }} Alternatively, a limited selection can be purchased on-board using credit and debit card or by using Frequent Flyer Avios points.{{cite press release |url=https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/02/01/can-i-pay-for-british-airways-buy-on-board-food-and-drink-catering-with-avios-points-3/ |title=Can I pay for British Airways buy on board food and drink catering with Avios points? |website=headforpoints.com |date=1 February 2024 |first = Rob |last = Burgess |access-date=28 October 2016}} British Airways is rolling out Wi-Fi across its fleet of aircraft with 90% expected to be Wi-Fi enabled by 2020.{{cite web |url=https://thriftypoints.com/ba-wifi/ |title=BA Wifi – What's the Situation with British Airways On-Board Wifi? |date=11 March 2019 |website=Thrifty Points |access-date=24 March 2019 |archive-date=24 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324201809/https://thriftypoints.com/ba-wifi/ |url-status=live}}

Club Europe is the short-haul business class available on all short-haul flights. This class allows for access to business lounges at most airports and complimentary onboard catering, as well as fast-track security at most airports.{{cite web |url = https://www.turningleftforless.com/what-to-expect-from-new-british-airways-club-europe-meals-and-catering-in-2022/ |title=What to expect from new British Airways Club Europe meals and catering in 2022 |date = 31 March 2022 |author = Michele |work=British Airways}} The middle seat of the standard Airbus configured cabin is left free. Instead, a cocktail table folds up from under the middle seat on refurbished aircraft.{{cite web |url=https://www.patstravelreviews.com/post/british-airways-a320-club-europe-review |title=British Airways A320 Club Europe Review |date = 21 May 2022 |work=patstravelreviews.com }}

First is offered on all Airbus A380s, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 787-9/10s and on some Boeing 777-200ERs. There are between eight and fourteen private suites depending on the aircraft type. Each First suite comes with a {{cvt|6|ft|6|in|m}} bed, a {{convert|15|in|cm|adj=on}} wide entertainment screen, in-seat power and complimentary Wi-Fi access on select aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/microsites/ba_reports/business_review/br_future.html|title=British Airways 2007/08 Annual Report and Accounts|work=British Airways|access-date=3 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210022642/http://www.britishairways.com/cms/global/microsites/ba_reports/business_review/br_future.html|archive-date=10 February 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article7007869.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 | title=Times report on BA First Class | work=The Times | first=Chris | last=Haslam | date=31 January 2010 | access-date=1 April 2010 | location=London | archive-date=7 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107080955/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ | url-status=dead }}

The exclusive Concorde Room lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 offers pre-flight dining with waiter service and more intimate space. Dedicated British Airways 'Galleries First' lounges are available at some airports, and Business lounges are used where these are not available. Some feature a 'First Dining' section where passengers holding a first class ticket can access a pre-flight dining service.{{cite web |title=First lounges {{!}} Information |url=https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/lounges/first |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=British Airways}}

File:British Airways Club Suite seat.jpg

Club World is the long-haul business class cabin.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/club-world-lounges/public/en_gb|title=Club World: Lounges|work=British Airways|access-date=5 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822161648/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/club-world-lounges/public/en_gb|archive-date=22 August 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/travel/choc-ices-and-cheese-what-its-like-to-fly-in-british-airwayss-new-club-suite-cabin-273458 |title=Choc ices and cheese: What it's like to fly in British Airways's new Club Suite cabin |first = Rosie |last = Paterson |date = 14 September 2024 |website = countrylife.co.uk |access-date=5 September 2009 }} The cabin features fully convertible flat bed seats. In March 2019, BA unveiled its new business-class seats - named Club Suite - on the new A350 aircraft, which feature a suite with a door.{{cite web |last=Flynn |first=David |date=18 March 2019 |title=British Airways' new business class is a suite with a privacy door |url=https://www.ausbt.com.au/british-airways-ba-new-club-world-suites-business-class-seat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319121951/https://www.ausbt.com.au/british-airways-ba-new-club-world-suites-business-class-seat |archive-date=19 March 2019 |access-date=15 July 2019 |website=Australian Business Traveller}} Since the unveiling, Club Suite has been installed on the Boeing 787-10 and is currently being installed on BA's Boeing 777s. The remaining aircraft are due to have their seats re-fitted over the coming years and they currently feature an older seat type introduced in 2006.{{cite web |last=Schlappig |first=Ben |date=11 November 2022 |title=Which British Airways Planes Have Club Suites? |url=https://onemileatatime.com/guides/british-airways-club-suites/ |access-date=27 December 2022 |website=One Mile at a Time |archive-date=27 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227143350/https://onemileatatime.com/guides/british-airways-club-suites/ |url-status=live }}

World Traveller Plus is the premium economy class cabin provided on all BA long haul aircraft.{{cite web |title=Airline Seat Pitch Guide |url=https://www.airlinequality.com/info/seat-pitch-guide/ |access-date=25 January 2024 |website=SKYTRAX }} This cabin offers wider seats, extended leg-room, additional seat comforts such as larger IFE screen, a foot rest and power sockets.{{cite web |url=https://www.thislifeintrips.com/british-airways-world-traveller-plus-review/ |title=British Airways World Traveller Plus Review |first = Shaun |last = Robertson |website = thislifeintrips.com |access-date=5 June 2010 }}

File:British Airways A380 Upper Deck.jpg, World Traveller cabin]]

World Traveller is the mid-haul and long-haul economy class cabin. It offers seat-back entertainment, complimentary food and drink, pillows, and blankets.{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/world-traveller-seating/public/en_gb|title=World Traveller Information|work=British Airways|access-date=5 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822075342/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/world-traveller-seating/public/en_gb|archive-date=22 August 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.britishairways.com/travel/new-world-traveller/public/en_gb|title=World Traveller – Preview our new Cabin|work=British Airways|access-date=31 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901103334/http://www.britishairways.com/travel/new-world-traveller/public/en_gb|archive-date=1 September 2010|url-status=live}} While the in-flight entertainment screens are available on all long-haul aircraft, international power outlets are available on the aircraft based at Heathrow.{{cite web |last=Cortez |first=Joe |date=7 March 2018 |title=British Airways Debuts New, "Densified" Seats Without Power Outlets |url=https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/british-airways-debuts-new-seats-without-power-outlets.html |access-date=27 December 2022 |website=FlyerTalk - The world's most popular frequent flyer community |archive-date=27 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227142634/https://www.flyertalk.com/articles/british-airways-debuts-new-seats-without-power-outlets.html |url-status=live }} Wifi is also available on selected aircraft at an extra fee.{{cite web |title=British Airways to offer free in-flight use of messaging apps |website=theguardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/06/british-airways-offer-free-messaging-flights-wifi |first = Gwyn |last = Topham |date = 6 March 2024 }}

On 24 June 2024, British Airways was voted 2024 Most Family Friendly Airline in the World by Skytrax. The award encompasses the overall family travel experience such as seating policies, check-in facilities, priority boarding, meals and amenities for children, as well as other family-oriented aspects.{{Cite web |last=James.Plaisted@skytrax.uk |date=2024-06-24 |title=Qatar Airways World's Best Airline at 2024 World Airline Awards |url=https://www.worldairlineawards.com/qatar-airways-is-named-the-worlds-best-airline-at-2024-world-airline-awards/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=SKYTRAX |language=en}}

British Airways is known to have a strong reputation for safety and has been consistently ranked within the top 20 safest airlines globally according to Business Insider and AirlineRatings.com.{{cite web|url= https://www.businessinsider.com/safest-airlines-in-the-world-for-2018-2017-12|title= The 20 safest airlines in the world|last= Zhang|first= Benjamin|date= 1 November 2018|website= Business Insider|access-date= 31 July 2019|archive-date= 3 January 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180103142437/https://www.businessinsider.com/safest-airlines-in-the-world-for-2018-2017-12|url-status= live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.businessinsider.com/safest-airlines-in-the-world-for-2019-2019-1|title= The 21 safest airlines in the world|last= Zhang|first= Benjamin|date= 3 January 2019|website= Business Insider|access-date= 31 July 2019|archive-date= 3 January 2019|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190103140904/https://www.businessinsider.com/safest-airlines-in-the-world-for-2019-2019-1|url-status= live}}

Since BA's inception in 1974, it has been involved in three hull-loss incidents (British Airways Flight 149 was destroyed on the ground at Kuwait International Airport as a result of military action during the First Gulf War with no one on board) and two hijacking attempts. To date, the only fatal accident experienced by a BA aircraft occurred in 1976 with British Airways Flight 476 which was involved in a midair collision later attributed to an error made by air traffic control.

• On 22 November 1974, British Airways Flight 870 was hijacked shortly after take-off from Dubai International Airport for London-Heathrow. The Vickers VC10 landed at Tripoli for refuelling before flying on to Tunis. The captain, Jim Futcher, returned to the aircraft to fly it knowing the hijackers were on board. A hostage, 43-year-old German banker Werner Gustav Kehl, was shot in the back. The hijackers eventually surrendered after 84 hours. Futcher was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal, the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators Founders Medal, the British Air Line Pilots Association Gold Medal and a Certificate of Commendation from British Airways for his actions during the hijacking.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/25/archives/hijackers-free-all-but-3-in-crew-at-tunis-airport-threaten-to-blow.html|title=Hijackers Free All but 3 in Crew at Tunis Airport|date=25 November 1974|work=The New York Times|access-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106000428/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/25/archives/hijackers-free-all-but-3-in-crew-at-tunis-airport-threaten-to-blow.html|archive-date=6 November 2019|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |date=26 November 1974 |title=Four Hijackers Surrender; Tunisian Aide Denies Deal; Passengers in London |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00715FE3B5F137B93C4AB178AD95F408785F9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605132729/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F00715FE3B5F137B93C4AB178AD95F408785F9 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |access-date=28 June 2010 |work=The New York Times}} [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F0DE4DF103BE63BBC4E51DFB767838F669EDE New York Times Archive Article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306030210/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F0DE4DF103BE63BBC4E51DFB767838F669EDE|date=6 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2055787/Captain-Jim-Futcher.html|title=Captain Jim Futcher|date=31 May 2008|work=The Telegraph|access-date=31 May 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531150513/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2055787/Captain-Jim-Futcher.html|archive-date=31 May 2008|location=London}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110789977|title=WORLD NEWS|date=27 November 1974|newspaper=The Canberra Times|access-date=6 November 2019|issue=13,923|location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia|volume=49|page=6|via=National Library of Australia|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107081001/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110789977|url-status=live}}
• On 10 September 1976, a Trident 3B on British Airways Flight 476 departed from London-Heathrow to Istanbul. It collided in mid-air with an Inex Adria DC9-31 near Zagreb.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yMUVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6621,1799120|title=Worst midair crash ever claims 176 in Yugoslavia|work=Milwaukee Sentinel|date=11 September 1976|access-date=28 June 2010}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} All 54 passengers and 9 crew members on the BA aircraft died. This is the only fatal accident to a British Airways aircraft since the company's formation in 1974.{{cite web |url = https://ukaviation.news/42-years-ago-today-british-airways-flight-in-mid-air-collision/ |title = 42 Years ago today: British Airways flight in mid-air collision |website = ukaviation.news |date = 10 September 2018 |first = Nick |last = Harding}}
• On 24 June 1982, British Airways Flight 9, a Boeing 747-200 registration G-BDXH, flew through a cloud of volcanic ash and dust from the eruption of Mount Galunggung. The ash and dust caused extensive damage to the aircraft, including the failure of all four engines.{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/683277272.html?dids=683277272:683277272&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jun+25%2C+1982&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Jet+Safe+After+Heart-Stopping%2C+Dead-Engine+Dive&pqatl=google|title=Jet Safe After Heart-Stopping, Dead-Engine Dive|work=Los Angeles Times|date=25 June 1982|access-date=28 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604203513/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/683277272.html?dids=683277272:683277272&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Jun+25,+1982&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Jet+Safe+After+Heart-Stopping,+Dead-Engine+Dive&pqatl=google|archive-date=4 June 2011|url-status=dead}} The crew managed to glide the plane out of the dust cloud and restart all four of its engines, although one later had to be shut down again. The volcanic ash caused the cockpit window to be scratched to such an extent that it was difficult for the pilots to see out of the plane. However, the aircraft made a successful emergency landing at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport just outside Jakarta. There were no fatalities or injuries.{{cite book|last=Faith|first=Nicholas|title=Black Box|orig-date=1996 |year=1998|isbn=978-0-7522-2118-2|page=156|publisher=Boxtree }}
• On 10 June 1990, British Airways Flight 5390, a BAC One-Eleven flight between Birmingham and Málaga, suffered a windscreen blowout due to the fitting of incorrect bolts the previous day. The captain sustained major injuries after being partially blown out of the aircraft, but the co-pilot landed the plane safely at Southampton Airport.{{cite news|title=This is your captain screaming (interview with Nigel Ogden)|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=5 February 2005|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/World/This-is-your-captain-screaming/2005/02/04/1107476802601.html|access-date=21 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410002719/http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/This-is-your-captain-screaming/2005/02/04/1107476802601.html|archive-date=10 April 2008|url-status=live}}
• On 2 August 1990, British Airways Flight 149 landed at Kuwait International Airport four hours after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-100 G-AWND, was destroyed, and all passengers and crew were captured. Two of the landing gears were salvaged, and are on display in Waterside, BA Headquarters in London.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/395492.stm|title=BA loses Iraq hostage appeal|work=BBC News|date=15 July 1999|access-date=2 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303203622/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/395492.stm|archive-date=3 March 2008|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6055048.stm|title=UK hostages describe Kuwait ordeal|work=BBC News|date=16 October 2006|access-date=2 January 2010|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107081054/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6055048.stm|url-status=live}}
• On 29 December 2000, British Airways Flight 2069 was en route from London to Nairobi when a mentally ill passenger entered the cockpit and grabbed the controls. As the pilots struggled to remove the intruder, the Boeing 747-400 stalled twice and banked to 94 degrees. Several people on board were injured by the violent manoeuvres, which briefly caused the aircraft to descend at 30,000 ft per minute. The man was finally restrained with the help of several passengers, and the co-pilot regained control of the aircraft. The flight landed safely in Nairobi.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/dec/30/jeevanvasagar.lizstuart |title=Two-minute fight for BA2069 |first1=Jeevan |last1=Vasagar |first2=Vikram |last2=Dodd |first3=Liz |last3=Stuart |date=30 December 2000 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=6 June 2013 |archive-date=15 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415055423/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/dec/30/jeevanvasagar.lizstuart |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 747-436 G-BNLM Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20001229-1 |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=aviation-safety.net |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804085708/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20001229-1 |url-status=live }}

File:BA38 Crash.jpg

• On 17 January 2008, British Airways Flight 38, a Boeing 777-200ER G-YMMM, from Beijing to London crash-landed approximately {{convert|1000|ft|m}} short of Heathrow Airport's runway 27L, and slid onto the runway's displaced threshold. The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear, wing roots, and engines, resulting in the first hull loss of a Boeing 777. There were no fatalities, but there was one serious injury and 46 minor injuries. The accident was caused by icing in the fuel system, resulting in a loss of power.{{cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 777-236ER G-YMMM London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20080117-0 |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=aviation-safety.net |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817064520/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20080117-0 |url-status=live }}
• On 24 May 2013, British Airways Flight 762, using an Airbus A319-131 and registered as G-EUOE, returned to Heathrow Airport after fan cowl doors detached from both engines shortly after takeoff. During the approach, a fire broke out in the right engine and persisted after the engine was shut down. The aircraft landed safely with no injuries to the 80 people on board. The accident report revealed that the cowlings had been left unlatched following overnight maintenance. The separation of the doors caused airframe damage and the right-hand engine fire resulted from a ruptured fuel pipe.{{cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Airbus A319-131 G-EUOE London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20130524-2 |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=aviation-safety.net |archive-date=17 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817064554/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20130524-2 |url-status=live }}
• On 22 December 2013, British Airways Flight 34, a Boeing 747-436 G-BNLL, hit a building at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after missing a turning on a taxiway. The starboard wing was severely damaged but there were no injuries amongst the crew or 189 passengers, however, four members of ground staff were injured when the wing smashed into the building.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/10534084/British-Airways-plane-collides-with-building-at-Johannesburg-airport.html |title=British Airways plane collides with building at Johannesburg airport |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 December 2013 |access-date=23 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223225530/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/10534084/British-Airways-plane-collides-with-building-at-Johannesburg-airport.html |archive-date=23 December 2013 |url-status=live }} The aircraft was officially withdrawn from service in February 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.thebasource.com/british-airways-b747-400-g-bnll-officially-withdrawn/ |title=British Airways B74i7-400 G-BNLL Officially Withdrawn. |publisher=The BA Source |date=22 February 2014 |access-date=23 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227140005/http://www.thebasource.com/british-airways-b747-400-g-bnll-officially-withdrawn/ |archive-date=27 February 2014 }}
• On 8 September 2015, British Airways Flight 2276, a Boeing 777-236ER G-VIIO, aborted its takeoff at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport due to an uncontained engine failure{{cite web|title=NTSB Issues Update on the British Airways Engine Fire at Las Vegas|url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/PR20150910.aspx|website=NTSB|access-date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912221308/https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/PR20150910.aspx|archive-date=12 September 2015|url-status=live}} of its left (#1) General Electric GE90 engine, which led to a substantial fire. The aircraft was evacuated on the main runway. All 157 passengers and 13 crew escaped the aircraft, at least 14 people sustaining minor injuries.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34206347|title=British Airways blaze pilot: 'I'm finished flying'|date=10 September 2015|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=18 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007024836/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34206347|archive-date=7 October 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=British Airways plane catches fire in Las Vegas|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34193767|publisher=BBC|date=9 September 2015|access-date=9 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909092507/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34193767|archive-date=9 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=British Airways fire: Jet's suppression system didn't work, source says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/us/las-vegas-british-airways-fire/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=9 September 2015|access-date=9 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910151434/http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/us/las-vegas-british-airways-fire/index.html|archive-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live}}
• Between 21 August 2018 and 5 September 2018, an attacker stole data for almost 500,000 British Airways customers, including credit card details for 250,000. The company was subsequently fined £20 million in October 2020, by the Information Commissioner's Office, the highest ever fine handed by the ICO at the time of issuing.{{Cite news |date=2020-10-16 |title=British Airways fined £20m over data breach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-54568784 |access-date=2024-04-30 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
• On 18 June 2021, a British Airways Boeing 787-8 G-ZBJB, had a nose landing gear collapse while on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport. A British Airways spokesperson confirmed that no passengers were on board the plane when the incident occurred.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-plane-collapse-heathrow-b1868392.html|title=British Airways plane collapses at Heathrow|last=Coffey|first=Helen|date=18 June 2021|work=The Independent|access-date=18 June 2021|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618100022/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-plane-collapse-heathrow-b1868392.html|url-status=live}}

• Air transport in the United Kingdom
• Plane Saver Credit Union
• Transport in the United Kingdom
• List of airlines of the United Kingdom

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em|refs=

}}

• {{cite book|author=British Airways|title=British Airways annual report and accounts|publisher=British Airways Board|year=1974}}
• {{cite book|last=Campbell-Smith|first=Duncan|title=The British Airways Story: Struggle for Take-Off|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|year=1986|isbn=978-0-340-39495-3|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/britishairwaysst00camp}}
• {{cite book|last=Corke|first=Alison|title=British Airways: the path to profitability|publisher=Pan|year=1986|isbn=978-0-330-29570-3}}
• {{cite book|title=Dirty tricks: British Airways' secret war against Virgin Atlantic|last=Gregory |first=Martyn|year=1996|publisher=Warner|isbn=978-0-7515-1063-8}}
• {{cite book|last=Hayward|first=Keith|title=Government and British civil aerospace: a case study in post-war technology policy|publisher=Manchester University Press|year=1983|isbn=978-0-7190-0877-1}}
• {{cite book|last=Marriott|first=Leo|title=British Airways|publisher=Plymouth Toy & Book|year=1998|isbn=978-1-882663-39-2}}
• {{cite book|last=Penrose|first=Harald|title=Wings Across the World: An Illustrated History of British Airways|publisher=Cassell|year=1980|isbn=978-0-304-30697-8}}
• Wood, Alan. "Airline at War: British Airways Goes to War". Air Enthusiast, No. 55, Autumn 1994, pp. 62–74. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}

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• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.britishairways.com/travel/history-and-heritage/public/en_gb British Airways Heritage Collection]

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