British Airways furloughs staff

In a statement to PA Media, British Airways says that a large number of its staff have been put on furlough without giving specific numbers.  

The IAG-owned British flag carrier called on the Government to reopen international travel “as soon as possible” and add “low-risk” nations such as the United States to its Green List.

“Like many companies, we’re using the furlough scheme to protect jobs during this unprecedented crisis. However, it’s vital the government follows its risk-based framework to reopen international travel as soon as possible, putting more low-risk countries, like the US, on its green list at the next available opportunity,” the statement said.

The UK Government’s furlough scheme, which pays up to 80% of salaries, is due to end on 30 September. The trade body Airlines UK argued in a letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week for furlough support for aviation workers to be extended until April 2022.

Transatlantic operators including American Airlines, BA and Virgin Atlantic had been hoping for an agreement between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden at the G7 summit in Cornwall but were disappointed to be told that a taskforce would only start to look at recommendations.

www.ba.com

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John Davidson, France

This is a sad state of affairs for BA, an airline which has long been among my favorites, if not the favorite. It's only problem is not its own, but that of BAA because LHR is not run well for premium passengers making the transfer. A smoother "ride" should be available, e.g. with easier "golf-cart" service for the impaired. Yes, one can simply request it -- wheelchair service -- and that's my fault if I forget. In the meantime, how about starting something along the line of "Best memories" or "Flights and cherished moments", to be illustrated. Surely there's a wealth of possible editors and contributors. Target: Given its founding in March 1974 according to Wikipedia, why not March 2024?! By selling ads, it could even be self-financing. BA has a host of slogans that could be used: https://www.sloganlist.com/airlines-slogans/british-airways-slogans.html PAX but also staff. Happy ones only, please. Cover the world, too!