BA's Alex Cruz reveals £4.5bn investment plan at WTM
Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London yesterday - being held 6-8 November at the ExCel - British Airways' Chief Executive, Alex Cruz, revealed plans for a £4.5 billion investment in the airline's fleet.
Above:
British Airways’ Chief Executive, Alex Cruz.
Courtesy British Airways
He announced that the £4.5bn investment over the next five years would include 72 new aircraft, with four new types for the airline: the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787-10 and the neo (new engine option) variant of the Airbus A320 and 321.
He said there would be new interiors for 128 aircraft in the existing fleet; at-seat power for customers in all cabins; upgraded catering for economy customers on long-haul and roll-out of fast wifi in all cabins on short-haul and long-haul.
He pledged that the airline’s new £4.5bn investment programme would improve the flying experience for all customers. Reaffirming British Airways as a premium airline committed to customer choice, he outlined the unprecedented competitive pressure the company faced and voiced his determination to create a stronger national carrier to benefit customers and remain at the forefront of world aviation. New Club World seats will be unveiled in 2019, offering passengers full aisle access and there will be a revamp of the long-haul economy cabin to set BA apart from low-cost rivals.
Cruz said passengers in long-haul economy will have more access to snacks and drinks and will be served a second full meal during longer flights.
BA customers will also have more choice of sunshine spots next summer, following the launch of a new route to Corsica from Heathrow Terminal 5 next summer, with direct flights to Figari airport operating every Sunday from 25 March until 21 October 2018.
Alex Cruz, British Airways’ chairman and chief executive, said: “We’re always developing our leisure offering from Heathrow so are incredibly pleased to be adding this exciting new route to our extensive network. British Airways is the most punctual, major short-haul airline in London and we’re looking forward to offering holidaymakers even more choice of destinations next summer. We’re also further improving our schedules and increasing the number of flights to European destinations such as Palma, Corfu and Mykonos.”
The number of flights from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Palma will increase from seven to 13 per week, Corfu will be bolsted from seven to 11 per week and Mykonos from three to seven per week.