Originally Posted by
L337
BA is the most profitable airline in the world. The business flyer likes us. We fly full aeroplanes. To stand still and not invest, as you suggest, is simply maddness. Your type of logic consigned the British Car industry to the scrap heap. And that is where BA will go if it followed your opinion.
Luckily, for all the sins that BA makes, Wiser heads prevail than yours.
BA the most profitable airline? I think not... Ever heard of Emirates? Yes, these guys know how to put on a show! Like it or not, BA just cant compete...
Investment in new aircraft is what BA need to do, and now. The B737 fleet is approaching on average 18 years, and the B747-400 fleet is begining to show its age (earlier models). Dont forget that we face a possible court action on fuel surcharge charges - up to £800 million fine plus jail terms, the impending pension crisis and the carve up of regional stations - all that before T5 even opens it doors.
There is HEE-HAW wrong with the current Club config. If there were, then no one would bother to use it would they?
Yes, the British car industry, like every other industry in the UK BACK THEN, was at the forefront of design and inovation - look at it now... Its no so much a question of investment, but having the attitude that we are the best when clearly we have been caught napping for some time, allowing others to come in, see whats on offer, go away and better it and make it more affordable. Not so long ago people within BA were saying easyjet would never survuve. Soon afterwards, GO arrives. Then is sold to easyjet. Look at easyjet now... I REST MY CASE.
Wonder who the wise-men are... Was it them who decided to 'rebrand' BAConnect and give them 2 years to survive, in the end giving them just a matter of months before 'share-swapping' with flybe.com - and taking a 15% stake in said low-frills carrier... Mmmmmmmmm... Yes maybe I missed something, but there again try telling all the regional based UK ground staff that on Christmas Eve, when the wise-headed men send out redundancy letters. No room at the Inn for us anymore. T5 is more important - your welcome to it
PS - Yes the business passenger likes BA, until he is jacked around on his domestic flights, losses his GOLD or SILVER card and forced to fly with someone else ie Sale of BAConnect to flybe.com... Afterall its the frequent domestic trips that build up points added to the lonhaul sectors...