BA return to investment grade

British Airways PLC
20 June 2007


BA returns to investment grade


British Airways has been advised by the credit rating agency, Standard and
Poor's that its corporate credit rating is to be increased to investment grade.


The company was downgraded to sub-investment grade or junk status in July 2003
following the events of September 11, 2001 and the war in Iraq.


During that period the company has reduced its net debt from £6.6bn to £990m and
steadily increased its operating margin.


Keith Williams, British Airways' chief financial officer, said: ' We have worked
hard over the last four years strengthening the foundations of our business.
Regaining investment grade status will enable us to invest in our future growth
with confidence.'


                                      ends



June 20, 2007                                072/KG/07




Notes to editors:


The company's corporate credit rating has been increased to BBB-.  Its senior
unsecured rating has been increased to BB+.


Previously its corporate rating was BB+ and its senior unsecured debt rating
BB-.



The upgrade has no impact on its current debt portfolio.  It does however give
investors and lenders increased confidence in the company's ability to finance
the re-equipment of our longhaul fleet.





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