Aviation news doesn't appear to be letting up in 2024.....
BA – no, this is not an early April Fools joke! 50 years ago, on 1 April 1974, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA) were merged to form British Airways (BA). Bringing together 2 state-owned airlines was not an easy task. Discussions had started back in 1953, before a parliamentary debate 1963 asked for a full investigation into the companies with a view to merging. This was rejected, although “great thought had been given on many occasions”. Another 4 years lapsed before a committee of inquiry into civil aviation was formed. Deliberations taking 2 years finally resulted in the formation of a National Air Holding Board, to control the finances and policies of the 2 companies. Then the Civil Aviation Act was passed in 1971 and a British Airways Holding Board created. The target date for merger was set at its first meeting in 1972.
By far the biggest item on the agenda was privatisation, completed in 1987. An IATA survey in 1980 had listed British Airways as the top carrier that should be avoided at all costs. Having joined the airline in 1981, its Chairman Lord John King would lead the privatisation process. Flotation on the London Stock Exchange happened in 1987, with British Caledonian acquired later that year.
The turnaround had begun, not only with BA’s financial results but its public image. Well-known advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi were appointed to transform the carrier into the World’s Favourite Airline. This story was told years later by a Saatchi executive, in a lecture delivered to the Heathrow Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Entitled “BA from Bloody Awful to the World’s Favourite Airline”. Then came the Ayling Era. Instead of keeping a unified brand, with the same livery on all aircraft, the CEO (Robert Ayling) decided to introduce the World Tails designs. This is often remembered for then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher showing her disapproval by covering a model aircraft’s tail with her hankie!! The unified livery was reinstated with a version of the Chatham Dockyard Union Flag design, originally only used on Concorde. It remains on the whole fleet to this day.
BA did dabble in the low-cost market with the formation of Go in the late 1990s. Based at STN, the venture was reasonably successful. Eventually sold to easyJet, this was BA’s last attempt to enter the low-cost market.
The appointment of Willie Walsh as CEO around the Millenium heralded a shift towards cost-cutting, mainly through the introduction of baggage fees and buy-on-board food. With the appointment of Walsh to Chairman, Alex Cruz became CEO. He was not regarded as popular amongst staff and passengers as it appeared his brief was to slash costs even further.
One success story to note is the formation of BA Cityflyer operating out of LCY, now serving more than 25 destinations in the UK and Europe. The aircraft have also been used mainly at weekends for leisure routes, with sightings in JSI. Sadly, the A318 business-class service to JFK is no more. Another victim of cost-cutting. Another subsidiary is BA Euroflyer based at LGW. Many leisure routes formerly served from LHR have now been transferred.
Let’s finish with some contrasts. The well-documented “dirty tricks” campaign against Virgin Atlantic. Successful court action brought by Sir Richard Branson drew an apology from Lord King. However, how much he or Sir Colin Marshall knew may never be published. BA frequently accused of being “London Airways” with little or no interest in regional airports, except to provide feeder services into its main hub. By bringing Aer Lingus into the IAG Group there are now great opportunities for the Irish carrier to expand, especially at MAN.
More news…
MAN – due to restrictions imposed at DUB, Aer Lingus are now expanding their operations. Several new routes, mostly transatlantic, have been announced. Also providing an alternative to Virgin Atlantic. Air China has also announced 2xweekly 777F flights from PVG.
A treat for spotters the other day when RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint did a missed approach. A case of “will it, won’t it?” Great excitement on a YouTube live stream. For those who seem to be very conscious of aircraft age, this B707 conversion is 55 years old!
Emirates – in a recent interview Chairman, Sir Tim Clark was asked about the airline’s future. He anticipated the A380 being in the fleet until at least 2040. Recent wing spar problems and cabin refits have resulted in not all aircraft operating. He also gave details of a new DXB base, hinting at mega-development at DWC. Not surprisingly, he was asked again about retirement as it’s believed he is the oldest airline Chairman across the world. As usual, he declined to give any firm date…
Concorde G-BOAD – after extensive restoration work, it has now returned to USS Intrepid Museum in New York. The barge journey captured by many media outlets.
LATAM – a sudden loss of height on board a B787 SYD-AUK led to around 50 injuries in the cabin. Whilst turbulence may be the cause, it’s also been suggested that incorrectly adjusting the First Officer’s seat led to a loss of control. Boeing has issued notice to all operating airlines, to carry out seat inspection. Interesting!!
Boeing – and the saga goes on. It was recently reported that Boeing cannot provide documents to the NTSB about the door plugs, because they were never created. Media sources have tried to pin the latest United problems on Boeing, but these appear to be poor maintenance by the airline rather than inherent problems with the aircraft build. However, United hinted that they are likely to cancel their B737MAX10 orders, providing they can get a steady supply of A321neos from lessors.
Finally…
YouTube – a recent experience on here involving a non-UK live stream has reminded me that not all spotters are nice people. Deciding to leave the channel, one member took it on himself to seek me out on others, then report back that he’d found me albeit with a different name. Two weeks ago, he and another member decided to talk about me on a UK live stream. Although alerted to this, the non-UK site owner, decided he would not take any action and advised that YouTube were unlikely to. The UK one where these lies were told is now aware of their behaviour. One thing I did point out was their moderators should have called this out.
Fast forward to yesterday and the opportunity to take my own action presented itself on the original non-UK site. As you can imagine, they didn’t like it! Problem with some of these live streams is, in seeking and receiving donations, members then take it upon themselves to use the live chat as a mouthpiece for their own agenda.
So, the moral is to be please careful what you divulge in live chat. Safeguard your identity and privacy as not all spotters are honest people. Also, many have multiple accounts so can re-appear under a different name if blocked. Final word goes to a BA pilot friend “social media can be a cesspit at times!”
Information courtesy of Airliner World, SPD Travels, MenTour Pilot (Twitter/X)
Images courtesy of RAF, Evening Standard
©TPSC and Poshgirl