Flight International online news 09:00 GMT: British Airways (BA) expects to operate its full short-haul schedule and the majority of its long-haul flights today as operations return to normal after the recent unofficial walkout by some ground staff.
The Oneworld carrier was forced to suspend flights from London Heathrow for a little over 24 hours. It has gradually been restoring operations since flights resumed late on 12 August.
But the airline will offer only limited catering on board because of the dispute at its Heathrow airline caterer, Gate Gourmet – a dispute which prompted some BA staff to walkout in sympathy. The carrier is continuing to offer passengers meal vouchers and has set up refreshment centres in the terminal.
Gate Gourmet says it will today be able to increase its service level for long-haul flights by providing cold meals and a limited beverage service, in addition to the basic requirements needed for flights to take off.
Talks between Gate Gourmet and the Transport & General Workers Union (T&G) have been taking place through the UK conciliation service ACAS since 12 August to resolve the dispute.
The union, highly critical of the company’s dismissal of Gate Gourmet staff on 10 August, is calling for the reinstatement of workers.
Source: Flight International
