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George and Burns resign from BA
British Airways commercial director Martin George and head of communications Iain Burns have resigned.
The two have been on leave of absence since June when BA became the subject of an investigation into cartel activity over fuel surcharges.
BA and other airlines are being investigated by the UK Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice.
In a letter to Martin Broughton, BA chairman, George said: “I now recognise that within my department, there may have been inappropriate conversations in violation of company policy in relation to long haul fuel surcharges.
“I was not involved in such conversations. Although the board of BA have not found that I have behaved in a dishonest way, I fully recognise my responsibilities as head of department and as a board director.
“As you know, becoming a BA board member has been the highlight of my career so far. I remain committed to doing what I can in the interests of the airline, to which I have dedicated my last 19 working years.
“I have always taken my responsibilities as a director and board member very seriously and I therefore depart with deep regret, whilst believing that departing is, in these circumstances and for these reasons, nevertheless, the right course.”
Robert Boyle, BA director of planning, has been appointed commercial director with immediate effect.
Thomas Coops, former communications director at Abbey National has been appointed interim head of corporate and media relations.
By Bev Fearis
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Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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