Cuts Europe fares

[Travpress] British Airways have stepped up its battle with budget airlines by reducing fares to more than 65 European destinations by up to 50 per cent. The airline announced the price slashes just days after it confirmed reports that it was again increasing fuel surcharges on long-haul fights.

Figures in 2005 show that BA was losing money on short European routes because airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet offered competitive prices. Ryanair have refused to impose fuel surcharges and is not hedged on its fuel buying.

The fare reductions will reportedly affect about 7 million seats a year and BA commercial director Martin George commented on the company’s decisions by stating “This is not a short-term gimmick, but a long-term commitment.”

BA said its one-way fares within Britain and Europe have fallen by an average of 70 percent compared with a decade ago and this reflects the airline adapting to changes in the competitive industry.

One-way fares will begin at GBP£29 (USD$51.7).