The airline has revised its strike schedule, saying it can now fly 4,000 more passengers each day during the strike, which runs from Saturday until Monday, because ‘larger volumes of cabin crew’ have offered to work.
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said he expects the number of cabin crew offering to work to grow further.
In addition, the number of airlines offering charters or seat allocations to BA has increased from 50 to 60 since its original strike schedule was unveiled on Monday.
These developments have enabled the airline to reinstate some previously cancelled flights and provide extra capacity for both long- and short-haul destinations.
Walsh said: ‘The determination of our colleagues across the whole business to keep the flag flying this weekend is increasing.
‘I am delighted by the numbers of cabin crew who have been getting in touch with us to express their disillusion with Unite’s position.
‘Our crews just want to work as normal, do their usual terrific job and look after our customers.
‘We will now have the potential to fly more than 4,000 additional customers per day and serve more destinations.’
Walsh said yesterday was the airline’s most punctual day at Heathrow for months. ‘Morale among our operations team is high,’ he added.
Stansted-based VIP charter specialist, Titan Airways, is one of the airlines that has just signed a wet-lease agreement with BA.
It will base two aircraft at Heathrow during the strike, operating to Dusseldorf, Nice, Rome and Lyon.
See also:
BA unions agree pension cuts (17/03/2010)
BA ‘overwhelmed by trade response’ (16/03/2010)
Brown steps in to BA/Unite row (15/03/2010)
BA crew face final ballot as walkout dates unveiled (12/03/2010)
BA and union negotiations continue (05/03/2010)
BA turns up the pressure (04/03/2010)
Strike dates on hold as BA/crew talks continue (26/02/2010)
Poll shows scant sympathy for BA crew (24/02/2010)
Unite: BA court ruling 'makes no difference' (19/02/2010)