British Airways is reportedly ready to double its extra fuel charge for long-haul flights in a reaction to the fast-rising cost of oil.
The Independent newspaper today reports that the carrier will increase the charge on each ticket from GBP2.50 to GBP6. BA will reportedly warn that, even if the price of oil remains static for the rest of the year, British Airways’ fuel bill would be increased by some GBP200 million to more than GBP1.1 billion for the year.
The newspaper also speculates that Virgin Atlantic is likely to follow suit.
Separately, several newspapers are reporting speculation that BA’s chief executive Rod Eddington is ready to announce a date for his departure from the company.
The Daily Mail states that Eddington will definitely step down at the beginning of 2006, dismissing rumours that he will leave in 2005. The Independent points out Eddington’s recent statement that he wants to lead BA “for many years to come”, while recognising that he has also made it clear that the BA job will be his last in aviation.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
