BA delays long haul flights from T5
[11th April 2008]
British Airways is delaying the transfer of long haul flights from Heathrow Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 until June as a result of the chaotic opening of the new terminal.
Since it opened on 27 March, T5 has been beset with operating problems caused primarily by issues with the baggage handling system leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled. It was not until this Tuesday, 8 April, that BA was able to operate a normal flight schedule.
Originally BA planned to transfer most of its long haul services from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 on 30 April. This involved around 60 departures and arrivals a day, including flights to Houston and Dallas which were switched from Gatwick airport to Terminal 4 on 30 March.
In a joint statement BA and airport operator BAA state: "We will work together to iron out any remaining problems, including the baggage system and its operation, and develop a robust timescale for phasing the move of Terminal 4 services into Terminal 5".
"We are making this decision in the interests of customers. Though Terminal Five is now working well, we need to have confidence that good service can be maintained when the terminal is handling larger numbers of customers. It is only sensible to ensure that Terminal 5 is operating consistently at a high standard before the move begins," comments BA chief executive, Willie Walsh.
BAA chief executive Colin Matthews adds: "BAA regrets this postponement, and we recognize the impact it has on other airlines, but we believe it is a wise precaution to ensure that passengers can have the maximum confidence once the move does take place. We will be working very closely with BA in the intervening period to ensure that result, as well as working with the other airlines to mitigate as much as possible the knock-on effects".
Written by: Nick Purdom
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