British Airways has disclosed that it will reduce the number of aircraft it holds at London Gatwick Airport as it cuts its services from the Crawley-based hub.The UK flag carrier announced that it would be removing three aircraft from London’s second largest airport before the start of its 2009 winter schedule, thought it has not yet detailed which routes will be affected.This will take the number of planes based at the airport from 35 to 32, which BA claimed is a result of its decision to sell its 11 Boeing 757s and replace them with the larger A320.

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British Airways (BA) has pledged to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 50 per cent by 2050.The UK’s flag carrier disclosed that it will reduce its CO2 output from 2005 levels of 16 million tons to eight million by the middle of this century.Specifically, BA outlined a number of methods it would rely on to achieve this reduction, including investment in cleaner aircraft, alternative jet fuels, efficient flight routes and increased emissions trading.

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The operator of London Heathrow Airport has denied claims that it plans to allow an additional 7,500 flights to depart or arrive at night once the third runway is built.BAA, which also runs six other UK-based airports, has refuted allegations made in The Sunday Times, which suggest that night flights would increase from 27,300 annually to 35,000 when Heathrow’s expansion is complete.Presently, there are regulations controlling the type and number of planes that can operate at night, so most now depart between 11pm and 11.30pm or 6am and 7am.

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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has accused the Competition Commission (CC) of imposing disproportionate remedies against the airport operator BAA.Despite supporting the sale of two of BAA’s south east airports and one in Scotland, the CAA believes that the commission has not made a compelling case for increasing regulation at London Heathrow Airport.Specifically, the CAA suggested that the application of additional restrictions to London Gatwick and London Stansted Airports could undermine any benefits brought about by separate ownership.

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British Airways has announced that it will be flying an additional service to the Bahamas this summer, giving customers more opportunities to escape to sunnier climes.Travel Bite has reported that the UK’s flag carrier will be adding a Thursday service to its current five flights a week schedule, which depart from London Heathrow Airport and arrive at Nassau.The paradise island, which is the capital of Bahamas, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its attractive harbour, tropical climate and beautiful beaches.

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British Airways has ordered an entire new fleet of environmentally-friendly aircraft for its services from London City Airport.The British flag carrier has placed orders for six Embraer 170 and five Embraer 190SR jets, which are significantly more fuel efficient than current commercial aircraft and emit less carbon dioxide.The new aircraft will be used on routes from London City Airport to a number of domestic and European destinations and will provide more “personal space” for passengers.Peter Simpson, managing director of BA City Flyer, suggested that these aircraft will help BA meet its “environmental objectives”.

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