BA defends cutbacks in First Class services

British Airways this week came under fire from staff and customers amid growing concerns that cutbacks at the flag carrier are damaging the reputation of its brand.

The airline was criticised for the cutting in First Class of free amusebouches with a first drink and fresh flowers in the toilets and offering fewer menu options.

One frequent flier and BA shareholder, Alan Smith, said the airline was being turned “into Ryanair”.

A flight attendant summed up

reductions on spirits available on flights as “no more Drambuie”.

BA said choices on its menu had been reduced to allow a greater emphasis on quality and it defended its First Class service.

“On long-haul flights we offer First Class customers world-class la carte dining,” an airline spokesman said.

“Our Business class customers receive three-course meals designed by top chefs plus snacks from our Club World kitchen. We are proud to fly more than 100,000 customers across the world every day and our colleagues work extremely hard to deliver consistently high standards in the air and on the ground.”