British Airways Commercial Director Resigns

Martin George, Commercial Director with British Airways, resigned from his position on Monday. He has been on leave of absence since June 2006 when the UK Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice began an investigation focused on long-haul passenger fuel surcharges. Iain Burns, British Airways' Head of Communications, also resigned with immediate effect.

In a letter to Martin Broughton, Chairman of British Airways, Martin George said, "It is with regret that I notify you of my decision to step down as Commercial Director of British Airways ......... This decision applies both to my position as an employee of British Airways Plc and as a director on the main and subsidiary company boards of the British Airways group.

"I now recognise that within my department, there may have been inappropriate conversations in violation of Company policy in relation to long haul fuel surcharges. I was not involved in such conversations. Although the Board of BA have not found that I have behaved in a dishonest way, I fully recognise my responsibilities as Head of Department and as a Board Director.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' Director of Planning, has been appointed Commercial Director with immediate effect.

Thomas Coops, former Communications Director at Abbey National has been appointed interim Head of Corporate and Media Relations. He will be responsible for providing communications advice to the Company and managing Media Relations. He replaces Iain Burns.

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