Union slams BA following Heathrow troubles

The British Airline Pilots' Association (Balpa) has responded to the troubled launch of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport by criticising British Airways and the way the airline is managed.

In an open letter to the government, Balpa called for a fundamental change in the way the airline is run.

The letter stated that the problems that occurred at Terminal 5 are "symptomatic of BA's loss of focus in delivering a sound operation".

It also claimed that Balpa has for several years urged the airline to focus on the aspects of punctuality, baggage delivery and product quality, which would keep customers coming back.

Jim McAuslan, general secretary of the union, said: "We have quietly gone about our jobs since the Terminal 5 debacle, but pilots can no longer stay silent.

"It is their company's reputation that is on the line and their futures. BA management has taken its eye of the ball and it is time UK plc held them to account."

British Airways' disastrous opening of Terminal 5 was worsened over the weekend by heavy snow, but the carrier said that it aimed to operate a full schedule of flights from the facility on April 8th.