British Airways cabin crew plan to hold a 48-hour strike starting Jan 10, after suspending previous plans to walk out over Christmas, trade union Unite said Tuesday. Crew who serve as part of British Airways' 'mixed fleet' - and have poorer terms and conditions than some longer-serving staff - rejected a pay offer from BA shortly before Christmas. "Unite remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement which meets our members' aspirations can be achieved and would urge British Airways to engage constructively in meaningful talks to address poverty pay," the trade union said. BA said that 'mixed fleet' Unite represented 15% of its cabin crew and that the airline was working on a contingency plan to ensure its customers reached their destinations. <br/>
oneworld
IAG plans to set up what it describes as a new “next-generation, long-haul operation” based at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport from June. The new organisation will be a low-cost operation. Details of the new operation remain sparse. IAG said it had not yet been decided whether it would set up a new airline or use existing resources from its carriers. The company said the new operation would “add another dimension to IAG and complement the other airlines in the Group.” IAG plans to take advantage of Barcelona’s connectivity. “Barcelona has become a significant airport hub and we believe that there is a demand for these flights from El Prat. It is also Vueling’s base and we will be able to hub passengers from Vueling’s extensive European network onto these long-haul flights” IAG said. <br/>
American Airlines says 7 flight attendants were treated at a Florida hospital after complaining that a strange odour on their plane gave them headaches. An airline spokeswoman said Tuesday that the employees were treated and released. None of the passengers on the flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Orlando, Florida, complained of symptoms. American Airlines said an Airbus A330 with 89 passengers and a crew of 10 landed safely just before midnight Monday night in Orlando. According to the airline, medical personnel checked the crew members at the airport and cleared them, but the employees asked to be taken to the hospital early Tuesday morning. American said the plane was being checked by maintenance workers. <br/>