BA banking on key routes for 2003

British Airways is increasing capacity on its profitable routes to North America and Melbourne next summer, and cutting capacity on South American routes.

From 30 March 2003, flights out of Heathrow to Chicago, New York and Toronto and flights from Gatwick to Houston will be increased.

Flights to Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Caracas and Bogota will now all operate out of Heathrow, and be cut back or operated by smaller aircraft.

BA Director of Marketing and Commercial Development, Martin George, said: “We have been able to increase capacity on some North American routes next summer by working the assets of our business harder. This means focusing on profitable routes and making the most effective use of our aircraft fleet.”

North American route changes for Summer 2003:

Heathrow to Chicago: From 14 to 21 flights per week

Heathrow to New York Newark: From 14 to 19 flights per week

Heathrow to Toronto: From 14 to 17 flights per week

Gatwick to Houston: From seven to ten flights per week, and services from Heathrow to Houston will operate via Chicago instead of Washington

BA is also increasing flights to Melbourne via Singapore from five flights a week to daily.

South American route changes for Summer 2003:

Heathrow to Rio de Janeiro via Sao Paulo: Down to four flights per week

Heathrow to Buenos Aires: Continue to operate three times per week, but fly via Sao Paulo, instead of being direct

Gatwick to Caracas and Bogota: Transfer to Heathrow and reduce capacity with smaller aircraft

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05-Nov-2002 BA posts Q2 profit of £245m