BA bullish on Australian prospects

BA bullish on Australian prospects
By admin


IAG boss Willie Walsh remains confident about the Australian market, despite the recent winding down of British Airways' joint venture with Qantas.

Speaking to Travel Today in Abu Dhabi, Walsh anticipated the end of the relationship, as Qantas instead ties itself to Emirates, would have little impact on BA's Australian business.

"It doesn't represent a major change for us to be honest," he said.

"The reality was that the value that was in that relationship was getting less and less over time and it was time to do something different."

The airline recently announced that it would deploy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its Sydney service which now flies into Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft features updated cabins and improved fuel efficiency.

"We've now got the right aircraft flying in there," Walsh said. "The 777-300ER is much more efficient than the 747 we had on the route so we're pleased."

He reported "very good" bookings for the service and expected high load factors would be seen.

"Our flights are going to be full, like they always are," he said.

Although Walsh admitted the Australian market "wasn't a big market" for the airline, he insisted BA remains committed to Sydney, although reintroducing other cities is not on its agenda.

Meanwhile, he wished Qantas and Emirates well with their new partnership.

"People may not have understood that Alan (Joyce) was quite open with me," he said. "I completely agree with what he has done and I wish him and Emirates well in their venture."

He stressed the relationship between BA and Qantas remains positive with the airlines to continue to work together "where there are opportunities".

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