British Airways unveils business plan for 2006-2008

As Trend reports, the new business plan for the airline, the first since Willie Walsh became chief executive, includes provision for reducing costs by ?450 million and setting new standards for airline customers.

The plan covers the period from the end of March 2006 to the end of March 2008, when British Airways move into its new operational home in Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport.

The plan includes savings across the airline worth ?225 million in 2006-07 and a further ?225 million the following year; investment of nearly ?200 million to include a new Club World seat; establishment of new procedures aimed at major improvements in punctuality, and baggage performance in preparation for Terminal 5, plus greater use of self-service check in; proposals to enable the achievement of a 10 per cent operating margin and prepare the airline for future profitable growth.

For the 2006-2007 period, the airline has forecast revenue growth of four to five per cent, driven by increased capacity and seat factors. The airline's fuel bill is forecast to be up by some ?400 million in this timeframe.

British Airways franchise partner, BMED, offers daily flights between Baku and London Heathrow. Customers can chose from Club World (business class) or World Traveller (economy class) cabins. Passengers in Club World can enjoy the comfort of the ergonomically designed "Cradle Seats" and inflight entertainment delivered by personal video screens and audio channels, while World Traveller features all the comforts which passengers have come to expect from the airline.

With convenient morning flights, customers can make same day connecting flights to key European and North American cities via British Airways network covering 157 routes in 77 countries, or the oneworld network covering over 605 destinations in 135 countries.