British Airways warns it could sell Gatwick slots if deal with unions collapses

British Airways has warned it could sell its landing slots for short-haul flights from Gatwick unless unions agree to a new lower-cost subsidiary at the UK’s second-biggest airport. Sean Doyle, BA’s CE, said the airline was in “advanced negotiations” over the creation of the new unit, which was needed to create a “competitive cost platform” once the industry emerges from the pandemic. While the unit would offer BA’s normal branding and service, the airline wants to significantly cut costs at the airport by mirroring the more agile business practices of rivals such as easyJet. This includes lower staffing costs and more flexible contracts, which would allow BA to step up its operations during the peak summer months, and then wind them down without burning money during the winter. Balpa, the pilot’s union, is backing the proposals and this week began a ballot of its members, while BA is still in discussions with Unite. Pilots would be paid about GBP100,000 a year, roughly in line with easyJet’s salaries but below those with BA at Heathrow, according to one person briefed on the discussions. If unions accept the proposals, then BA would base up to 17 A320 aircraft from Gatwick for the summer 2022 season. If talks fail, Doyle said BA “would consider alternatives for the slot portfolio”.<br/>