BA executives depart following T5 problems

Two senior British Airways (BA) executives have lost their jobs following the problems encountered at Heathrow Terminal 5 (T5), BA announced yesterday.

Gareth Kirkwood, director of operations, and David Noyes, head of customer relations, have both left their positions at the airline.

This follows problems at the launch of the £4.3 billion brand new Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow airport.

Since its opening on March 27th, a series of operational problems have dogged the terminal, including the complete failure of its luggage system.

This has left BA struggling to reconnect its customers with 30,000 pieces of misplaced luggage.

The airline has also been forced to cancel in excess of 500 flights.

Mr Kirkwood had overseen the move to T5, including the luggage handling system, whilst Mr Noyes took responsibility for training BA staff to work at the terminal.

BA announced that a brand new chief operations officer position will be created to encompass both men's roles.

This position will be temporarily covered by Willie Walsh, BA chief executive.

Mr Walsh said to assembled media at Terminal 5 that he accepted responsibility for the problems.

"I am not going to start trying to find someone else to point the finger at," he said.

"The buck stops with me."

BA has so far delayed moving long-haul flights over to T5, which it hopes will ease any further problems.

Costs to the airline incurred from delays and compensation claims is expected to reach £16 million.

Total costs of the problems encountered at T5 could eventually rise to £150 million, as suggested by Deutsche Bank's Chris Reid.

Airport News posted on 16 April 2008

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