Summer schedule begins (13/05/2008)

British Airways World Cargo is operating its summer schedule, which sees changes to the carrier's shorthaul and longhaul freighter routings and bellyhold capacity on the British Airways passenger network.

Throughout the summer, its shorthaul freighter programme, operated in partnership with DHL, is delivering 48 weekly widebody services across 15 European destinations. As a result of increasing customer demand, an additional London - Barcelona - Madrid - London service will operate, delivering 35 tonnes of extra capacity each way.

The longhaul freighter programme remains broadly similar to the winter schedule, with the exception of the London Stansted - Hong Kong rotation which transits through Frankfurt on day 6, rather than Cologne. This gives customers more direct access to this increasingly important hub on Saturdays.

From a mainline perspective, British Airways has altered the routes on a number of South American flights, and now operates five flights per week from London to Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, and two direct flights per week to Rio de Janeiro.

The double daily flights from Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth have now moved from London Gatwick to London Heathrow, giving customers immediate access to the carrier's extensive network. Furthermore, New York, JFK will continue to be serviced 55 times per week, the Washington service will increase to 24 rotations per week and Seattle will increase to 13 rotations per week.

Jude Winstanley, manager network and freighters, commented: "The adjustments we've made to the freighter programme, including the additional Madrid - Barcelona rotation, come as a result of customer expansion in the region and increased demand for capacity. Both our longhaul and shorthaul freighter programmes continue to be operated profitably and we are confident that these changes will be well received by our customers."