British Airways has bought 12 Airbus A380 and 24 Boeing 787 aircraft as replacements for 34 of its long haul fleet, which will add an extra 170 tonnes a day to its cargo capacity.
The aircraft will be delivered between 2010 and 2014, and will be greener, quieter and more fuel efficient with lower carbon dioxide emissions and reduced impact on local air quality.
Andy Warwick, general manager business development at BA World Cargo, said: “The Boeing 787s in particular offer double the capacity of our current 767 fleet and will be used to start new routes and increase frequencies in existing markets. This fleet order is the largest that British Airways has made since 1998 and the green credentials of the aircraft played a vital role in the decision-making process.
“The order is welcome news and comes on the back of the recent five-year renewal of the wet lease covering our three B747-400 freighters.”
Surcharge
BA World Cargo has increased its fuel surcharge to 44p a kilo from 11th October.
The increase follows a second consecutive week that the fuel index has been above the level 13 threshold.
The index was developed by BA World Cargo to provide customers with more information about the calculation of fuel surcharges. It is updated on a weekly basis and posted on the airline’s web site.
Loyalty
The airline has also launched a customer loyalty programme, LIFT, designed to recognise and reward a large proportion of the carrier’s valued customers.
The scheme will enable members to earn points with every consignment booked, which can be redeemed for British Airways passenger flights to anywhere on the carrier’s extensive global network, and also Marriott Hotel vouchers.
Simon Brewster, business improvement manager, said: “We have recognised our larger multinational customers for some time now, through our highly successful one+one partner programme.”
