BA to stop carrying stretchers

British Airways has reportedly taken the decision to stop carrying stretchers. According to The Guardian, the carrier will withdraw its stretcher service from June because it is too “manpower-intensive” and causes delays. British Airways reportedly carried more than 700 people on stretchers last year but the airline said that some 62 per cent of flights that carried stretchers were delayed. A spokesman is quoted as saying: “The announcement that we won’t be carrying them is good news for the majority of passengers because it will reduce delays.” However, the announcement has gone down less than well with insurance companies; a spokesman for the Association of British Insurers reportedly told the newspaper: “Insurers will be concerned about what this will do to their costs. If it pushes up medical expenses, it could have an impact of future premiums.” The Guardian also quoted Mark Rands, of Specialty Assistance Services, which repatriates travellers on behalf of insurers, as saying: “Having airlines as big as British Airways refuse to carry stretchers is a matter of concern. “From their perspective it is a costly exercise to put stretchers on a flight, so you can understand it. But whether it is right from a customer service perspective is a different question.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd