This Just in:
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BRITISH AIRWAYS has begun work on a new “future size and shape” review that will lead to a revamp of its UK regional network.
Rod Eddington, chief executive, is understood to have asked managers of BA CitiExpress, a wholly-owned BA subsidiary and the largest regional airline in Europe, for a rethink of strategy and a cull of underperforming routes.
Company sources say the review is unlikely to lead to large numbers of job losses, but base and route closures are on the cards, as is the withdrawal of several aircraft types.
The CitiExpress review will carry the same process into the regional network. It is thought that the company will concentrate on just two aircraft types, rather than the five currently operated.
BA managers are thought to favour an eventual move to an all-jet operation, with BA CitiExpress using only Avro RJ100s and Embraer 145s. Most of the turboprop fleet, which comprises Jetstream 41s, Dash 8-300s and ATP aircraft, would be retired or sold to small airlines, which would operate routes in co-operation with BA but not in BA colours.
The company yesterday declined to comment on the plan but confirmed that it was undertaking a review of the CitiExpress network.
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