News

British Airways has announced a £45 million pre-tax loss for the first quarter of this year.

The loss compares to a £65 million profit for the same quarter last year.

Although, air traffic was hit hard in the second quarter of 2003 due to the war in Iraq and the outbreak of the SARS virus.

BA has also halted the possible threat of strikes over the August Bank Holiday weekend by agreeing with union bosses to delay the introduction of a swipe card system - to record when staff start and finish work - and implement a 3% annual pay rise.

Wildcat industrial action by check in staff scared the company would use the system to dramatically change working practices cost the carrier up to £40 million.