Article from BTNews 11 DECEMBER 2017
BA claims punctuality title
Alex Cruz returned to the Aviation Club UK this week 20 months into his role as chairman of British Airways to highlight that BA has the “best punctuality” on departures from London, Alison Chambers writes.
He defended his controversial decision to introduce buy-on-board catering on short-haul routes, promising an even better, wider range and predicted the two large European airlines remaining, and yet to adopt the model, will soon follow.
Every airline in the world will fall in, he predicted. “It was absolutely the right decision, as difficult as it was logistically at the beginning. That is not what defines an airline. BA is a premium carrier and committed to customer choice.
“Rather, we are nervous if your flight is cancelled and will be there every step of the way, rearranging your flight on the first available seat with us or a partner – that is the BA differentiator. In the hurly burly of this debate, it is important to state.”
He highlighted his annoyance at the increased APD Budget (£78 economy/£172 per person in premium classes). It discourages people to inter-act with the world and it makes less sense than ever, pre-Brexit.
He noted BA is watching the digital revolution with great interest “these apps that know more about your flight than we do.” It occupies our time and our budget, hinting at a digital response from BA next year.
He said 2019 will be a highly significant, motivational year, as BA celebrates its centenary. He is supportive of Heathrow expansion too – 10, 20, 30% more capability, but the build must be at the right price.
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gordon macfarland, United Kingdom
His comment about buy on board catering is fine if there is enough to buy which was the case on my way out and return from Dublin they ran out of food for those unfortunate like myself to be placed in row 19 and back. Definitely not a premium carrier status...a long way to go.
Ray Grainger, UK
I was amazed at the punctuality claim. I would love to see the statistics