# British Airways

> flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom

**Wikidata**: [Q8766](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8766)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/british-airways

## Summary
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, headquartered in London. It is a public company and a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG), a British-Spanish multinational airline holding company. British Airways operates a global network of passenger and cargo services, with a fleet that includes aircraft from Airbus and Boeing families.

## Key Facts
- **Definition**: Flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, classified as a public company.
- **Headquarters**: London, United Kingdom.
- **Parent Company**: International Airlines Group (IAG), formed in 2011.
- **Inception**: Formed in 1974 through the merger of British European Airways (BEA) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).
- **Predecessors**: British European Airways (1946–1974) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (1939–1974).
- **Subsidiaries**: Includes BA CityFlyer, BA EuroFlyer, and formerly OpenSkies, dba, and Go Fly.
- **Fleet**: Operates aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Concorde (retired).
- **Alliance**: Member of the Oneworld airline alliance.
- **Key People**: Willie Walsh, former CEO of International Airlines Group.
- **Stock Exchange**: Listed on the London Stock Exchange.
- **Revenue**: Reported revenue of £13.02 billion.
- **Net Profit**: Reported net profit of £1.952 billion.
- **Employees**: Approximately 71,000 to 74,378 employees under IAG.
- **Website**: [britishairways.com](https://britishairways.com/), [ba.com](https://ba.com).
- **Identifiers**: IATA code **BA**, ICAO code **BAW**, callsign **SPEEDBIRD**.
- **Slogan**: "To Fly. To Serve."
- **Logo**: Features the Union Flag and a stylized "Speedbird" symbol.
- **Notable Incidents**: British Airways Flight 38 (2008), British Airways Flight 5390 (1990), British Airways Flight 2069 (1994), British Airways Flight 009 (1982), British Airways Flight 149 (1990).
- **Awards**: Recognized for its service and operations globally.

## FAQs

**What is British Airways?**
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, providing passenger and cargo air transport services globally. It is a public company and a subsidiary of International Airlines Group (IAG).

**When was British Airways formed?**
British Airways was formed in 1974 through the merger of British European Airways (BEA) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC).

**What is the parent company of British Airways?**
British Airways is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), a British-Spanish multinational airline holding company formed in 2011.

**What aircraft does British Airways operate?**
British Airways operates a diverse fleet, including Airbus A320 family, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and previously the Concorde.

**What alliance is British Airways part of?**
British Airways is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which includes other major airlines like American Airlines, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific.

**What are some notable incidents involving British Airways?**
Notable incidents include British Airways Flight 38 (2008), British Airways Flight 5390 (1990), British Airways Flight 2069 (1994), British Airways Flight 009 (1982), and British Airways Flight 149 (1990).

**Who are some key people associated with British Airways?**
Willie Walsh, former CEO of International Airlines Group, is a notable figure associated with British Airways.

**What is the revenue and net profit of British Airways?**
British Airways reported a revenue of £13.02 billion and a net profit of £1.952 billion.

**What is the IATA and ICAO code for British Airways?**
The IATA code for British Airways is **BA**, and the ICAO code is **BAW**.

**What is the slogan of British Airways?**
The slogan of British Airways is "To Fly. To Serve."

**What is the logo of British Airways?**
The logo features the Union Flag and a stylized "Speedbird" symbol.

**What are the subsidiaries of British Airways?**
Subsidiaries include BA CityFlyer and BA EuroFlyer, with former subsidiaries like OpenSkies, dba, and Go Fly.

## Why It Matters
British Airways plays a crucial role in global aviation as the flag carrier of the United Kingdom. It connects major cities worldwide, facilitating international travel and trade. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, it enhances global connectivity and cooperation among airlines. British Airways' history, dating back to the merger of BEA and BOAC, reflects the evolution of the aviation industry. Its operations support economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange, making it a vital component of the UK's infrastructure and global presence.

## Notable For
- **Flag Carrier Status**: Serves as the national airline of the United Kingdom.
- **Global Network**: Operates an extensive network of passenger and cargo services worldwide.
- **Historical Significance**: Formed through the merger of British European Airways and British Overseas Airways Corporation.
- **Diverse Fleet**: Operates a wide range of aircraft, including modern models from Airbus and Boeing.
- **Alliance Membership**: Member of the Oneworld airline alliance.
- **Notable Incidents**: Involved in several high-profile aviation incidents.
- **Subsidiaries**: Owns and operates several subsidiary airlines.
- **Financial Performance**: Reports significant revenue and net profit.
- **Brand Identity**: Recognizable logo and slogan.
- **Parent Company**: Owned by International Airlines Group (IAG).

## Body

### History and Formation
British Airways was formed in 1974 through the merger of British European Airways (BEA) and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). BEA was established in 1946, while BOAC was formed in 1939. The merger aimed to create a stronger, more competitive national airline for the United Kingdom.

### Parent Company and Ownership
British Airways is owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), a British-Spanish multinational airline holding company formed in 2011. IAG also owns other major airlines, including Iberia, Vueling, and Aer Lingus. The formation of IAG marked a significant consolidation in the European aviation industry.

### Fleet and Operations
British Airways operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including models from Airbus and Boeing. Key aircraft in its fleet include:
- **Airbus A320 family**: Includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321.
- **Airbus A350**: A modern, long-range aircraft.
- **Airbus A380**: A double-deck, wide-body aircraft.
- **Boeing 737**: A twin-engine jet airliner.
- **Boeing 747**: A wide-body airliner, including the 747-400 and 747-200.
- **Boeing 777**: A wide-body twin-engine jet airliner.
- **Boeing 787 Dreamliner**: A wide-body twin-engine jet airliner.
- **Concorde**: A retired supersonic airliner that operated from 1976 to 2003.

### Alliance and Partnerships
British Airways is a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which includes other major airlines such as American Airlines, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific. This alliance enhances global connectivity and cooperation among member airlines, providing passengers with a seamless travel experience.

### Subsidiaries
British Airways owns and operates several subsidiary airlines, including:
- **BA CityFlyer**: A subsidiary airline based in London.
- **BA EuroFlyer**: A subsidiary airline operating European routes.
- **Former Subsidiaries**: OpenSkies, dba, and Go Fly.

### Notable Incidents
British Airways has been involved in several notable aviation incidents, including:
- **British Airways Flight 38**: An incident at London Heathrow Airport on January 17, 2008.
- **British Airways Flight 5390**: An incident in 1990 involving a windscreen failure.
- **British Airways Flight 2069**: An attempted hijacking in 1994.
- **British Airways Flight 009**: An incident over the Indian Ocean in 1982.
- **British Airways Flight 149**: A hostage situation in 1990.

### Financial Performance
British Airways reported a revenue of £13.02 billion and a net profit of £1.952 billion. These figures highlight the airline's significant financial performance and its role in the global aviation industry.

### Brand Identity
British Airways is known for its recognizable logo, which features the Union Flag and a stylized "Speedbird" symbol. The airline's slogan, "To Fly. To Serve," reflects its commitment to providing high-quality service to its passengers.

### Key People
Willie Walsh, former CEO of International Airlines Group, is a notable figure associated with British Airways. His leadership has played a crucial role in the airline's operations and strategic direction.

### Stock Exchange and Listings
British Airways is listed on the London Stock Exchange, reflecting its status as a public company. This listing provides the airline with access to capital markets and enhances its visibility and credibility.

### Website and Online Presence
British Airways maintains a strong online presence through its websites, [britishairways.com](https://britishairways.com/) and [ba.com](https://ba.com). These platforms provide passengers with information on flights, services, and other travel-related details.

### Identifiers and Codes
British Airways uses the IATA code **BA** and the ICAO code **BAW**. The airline's callsign is **SPEEDBIRD**, reflecting its brand identity and history.

### Awards and Recognition
British Airways has received numerous awards and recognitions for its service and operations. These accolades highlight the airline's commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the aviation industry.

### Related Entities
British Airways is connected to various entities, including:
- **London**: The capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, where British Airways is headquartered.
- **United Kingdom**: The island country in north-west Europe where British Airways operates.
- **England**: A constituent country of the United Kingdom, where British Airways is based.
- **International Airlines Group (IAG)**: The parent company of British Airways.
- **Oneworld**: The airline alliance of which British Airways is a member.
- **Airbus and Boeing**: Manufacturers of the aircraft operated by British Airways.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
British Airways is associated with various technical identifiers and standards, including:
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: GB, Alpha-3: GBR, Numeric: 826.
- **Emergency Number**: 999, 112.
- **Internet TLD**: .uk.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: G.
- **Licence Plate Code**: GB (until 2021-09-27), UK (since 2021-09-28).
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 232, 233, 234, 235.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 234, 235.

### Digital and Cultural Presence
British Airways maintains an active digital presence through its websites and social media platforms. The airline is also recognized for its cultural contributions, including its role in promoting British heritage and values globally.

### Administrative Divisions
British Airways operates within the administrative divisions of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each division has its own legal and administrative systems, contributing to the airline's regional diversity and operations.

### International Relations
British Airways maintains extensive international relations, including partnerships with other airlines and membership in global alliances. These relationships enhance the airline's global reach and connectivity.

### Symbols and Culture
British Airways is associated with various symbols and cultural elements, including its logo, slogan, and brand identity. These elements reflect the airline's commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the aviation industry.

### Technical and Operational Details
British Airways operates with a focus on technical and operational excellence. The airline's fleet, operations, and services are designed to provide passengers with a high-quality travel experience.

### Historical and Cultural Context
British Airways' history and cultural context reflect its role as the flag carrier of the United Kingdom. The airline's operations and services are deeply connected to the country's heritage and values.

### Future Directions
British Airways continues to evolve and adapt to the changing aviation industry. The airline's future directions include expanding its global network, enhancing its services, and maintaining its commitment to excellence and innovation.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.oneworld.com/news-information/oneworld-fact-sheets/oneworld-at-a-glance/)
2. [Source](https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/documents/British%20Airways%20Plc%20Annual%20Report%20and%20Accounts%202019.pdf)
3. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-204.htm)
4. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-206.htm)
5. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-208.htm)
6. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-210.htm)
7. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-212.htm)
8. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-214.htm)
9. [airfleets.net](http://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-ssc-216.htm)
10. GRID Release 2017-01-10
11. BnF authorities
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48905907)
14. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/mar/29/british-airways-frequent-flyer-accounts-hacked)
15. [Source](https://ba.com)
16. BBC Things
17. [Source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1973/2175)
18. [Source](https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/documents/annual-report-and-accounts-2018-interactive.pdf)
19. GRID Release 2016-12-06
20. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
21. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=161.2.0.0+-+161.2.255.255&type=inetnum)
22. [Source](https://apps.db.ripe.net/search/lookup.html?source=ripe&key=163.166.0.0+-+163.166.255.255&type=inetnum)
23. [British Airways | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-airways)
24. Merchant Category Codes
25. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
26. [Source](https://www.britishairways.com/content/en/us/information/about-ba/head-office)
27. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20050503153519/http://www.britishairwaysjobs.com/baweb1/?newms=info41)
28. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20151119124959/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%200826.html?search=%22British%20Airways%2258)
29. YouTube API
30. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
31. [Telephone numbers and addresses | Help and contacts](https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/information/help-and-contacts/contact-us)
32. Wikirate