TRAVEL CRISIS No Way BA or I Won't Be Home for Xmas

Posted: 16 Dec 2009 | 7:50 pm

In what could affect more then an estimated 1 million airline passengers British Airlines cabin crew's threat to strike for 12 days from December 22 has sparked widespread anxiety and outrage amongst travelers. Despite a confirmed strike vote and BA's action on seeking an injunction there remains hope that some compromise solutions may be made.

This could not come at a worse time for the airline which was first hit by soaring fuel prices, then an economic recession which impacted load factors especially the lucrative long hall and premium segments.

Clearly the business proposition of legacy carriers in today's evolving market is changing first with Richard Branson's 'No Way BA' campaign that sparked a lengthy air war and now the growth of LCC's (low cost carriers). Both Ryanair and Easyjet have hit BA closer to home while in Asia we've seen the phenomenal rise of AirAsia, Jetstar, Tiger and a host of new offerings.

BA and their union appear to be strange bedfellows in what is a disconnect with a growing number of consumers who has taken to the skies with the LCC's and it may be the signaling of a changing of the guard for the legacy brands.

For passengers on BA during the presumed strike period, the airline is advising to keep checking for updates on the situation and hopefully those who wish will indeed be home for Xmas.

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