April traffic statistics

British Airways PLC
06 May 2004




TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS - April 2004


Summary of the headline figures

Comparisons of April 2004 traffic and capacity statistics with April 2003 must
take into account the weak base due to the impact of the war with Iraq and SARS.



In April 2004, passenger capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometres, was
6.7 per cent above April 2003 and traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger
Kilometres, was higher by 16.1 per cent. This resulted in a passenger load
factor up 6.2 points versus last year, to 75.5 per cent.  The increase in
traffic comprised a 28.1 per cent increase in premium traffic and a 14.5 per
cent increase in non-premium traffic.   Cargo, measured in Cargo Tonne
Kilometres, rose by 29.5 per cent.   Overall load factor rose 4.4 points to 69.4
per cent.


Market conditions



Market conditions are unchanged.  Longhaul premium volumes continue above last
year's levels, and shorthaul premium remains weak.  Non-premium traffic volumes
remain very sensitive to yield.



In 2003, March and April were the months worst affected by the war in Iraq and
SARS.  Premium traffic was down about 25% in both months. The major effect of
war and SARS did not continue beyond the summer.





Strategic Developments



BA launched its first new masterbrand TV commercial for four years which
showcases the airline's innovative products and its commitment to customer
service.



A new sleeper service to give customers an even better and longer night's sleep
was launched for British Airways' Club World customers on a range of overnight
flights from North America and the Middle East to London Heathrow.  A new
champagne bar for passengers was opened in the First lounge at London Heathrow's
Terminal One for BA's First Class passengers and Gold Executive Club members



Customers flying to Australia with British Airways and Qantas were able to use
e-tickets for the first time.  BA aims to achieve 100 per cent e-ticket by
December 2004.



British Airways is adding 257,000 seats during the summer months with more
flights to popular holiday destinations such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Cape
Town, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Dubai.  The airline is also providing 14,000
extra seats on flights between London and Portugal to ensure as many football
fans as possible can get to Euro 2004.

                                  
                                                     ends                                

May 6, 2004                    038/KG/04



            BRITISH AIRWAYS MONTHLY TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY STATISTICS

                                          Month of April


BRITISH AIRWAYS GROUP                                         Change
SCHEDULED SERVICES                   2004           2003         (%)
Passengers carried (000)
UK/Europe                            2025           1985         +2.0
Americas                              628            556        +12.9
Asia Pacific                          130             90        +44.3
Africa and Middle East                244            185        +32.2
Total                                3028           2817         +7.5

Revenue passenger km (m)
UK/Europe                            1788           1654         +8.1
Americas                             4190           3760        +11.5
Asia Pacific                         1351            987        +37.0
Africa and Middle East               1617           1303        +24.1
Total                                8946           7704        +16.1

Available seat km (m)
UK/Europe                            2568           2485         +3.4
Americas                             5222           5048         +3.5
Asia Pacific                         1842           1636        +12.6
Africa and Middle East               2221           1942        +14.4
Total                               11855          11110         +6.7

Passenger load factor
(%)
UK/Europe                            69.6           66.6         +3.0 pts
Americas                             80.2           74.5         +5.7 pts
Asia Pacific                         73.3           60.3        +13.0 pts
Africa and Middle East               72.8           67.1         +5.7 pts
Total                                75.5           69.3         +6.2 pts

Revenue tonne km (RTK)
(m)
Cargo tonne km (CTK)                  399            308        +29.5
Total RTK                            1286           1076        +19.5
Available tonne km (m)               1853           1656        +11.9

Overall load factor (%)              69.4           65.0         +4.4 pts



* Comparative numbers from 1 July 2002 have been adjusted to remove the impact
of dba following its disposal on 30 June 2003

Certain information included in this statement is forward-looking and involves
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements.



Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections relating to
results of operations and financial conditions and the Company's plans and
objectives for future operations, including, without limitation, discussions of
the Company's 'Future Size and Shape' programme, expected future revenues,
financing plans and expected expenditures and divestments.  All forward-looking
statements in this report are based upon information known to the Company on the
date of this report.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.



It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific
events that could cause the Company's forward looking statements to be incorrect
or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations
or results of an airline operating in the global economy.  Information on some
factors which could result in material difference to the results is available in
the Company's SEC filings, including, without limitation the Company's Report on
Form 20-F for the year ended March 2003.

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