12 February, 2009

BA to trim Gatwick fleet

British Airways is to reduce routes served from Gatwick next winter.

The airline confirmed that the number of aircraft based at the airport will be cut from 35 to 32 from the start of the 2009/2010 winter schedule.

A spokesman said it was not possible to detail which routes would be affected at this stage.

The details emerged following Friday's interim management statement when BA said it would be starting talks with unions and staff about cutting costs in response to the current economic downturn.

BA is running 53 routes from Gatwick this winter where is competes on short haul routes with budget rival EasyJet.

While BA plans tocut back from Gatwick next winter, Aer Lingus is to establish a short haul European network from the airport this April.

When travelling from Gatwick consider booking a Gatwick hotel parking option especially if you are a long way from the airport.