Holding in Company

British Airways PLC
15 August 2001





British Airways received on 14 August, 2001 the disclosure below of share
interests pursuant to Section 198 of the Companies Act, being share interests
under the management of The Capital Group Companies, Inc.



                       SECTION 198 NOTIFICATION 
                       Notification of Increase

This Notice is given by The Capital Group Companies, Inc. on behalf of its
affiliates, including Capital Guardian Trust Company and Capital Research and
Management Company, pursuant to Section 198 of the Companies Act 1985.

The Interest in the relevant share capital indicated below arises by virtue of
holdings attributed to the Companies (see Schedule A). These holdings form part
of funds managed on behalf of investment clients by the Companies.

Share capital to which this relates:

             Ordinary Shares (1,092,571,008 shares outstanding) 

Number of shares in which the Companies have an interest:
          
             54,993,354 

Name(s) of registered holders):
               
             See Schedule B





As of 13 August 2001 

British Airways plc

                                                       Number of     Percent of
                                                       Shares       Outstanding

The Capital Group Companies, Inc. ('CG') holdings      54,993,354      5.08%

Holdings by CG Management Companies and Funds:

- Capital Research and Management Company              54,993,354      5.08%

                                  Schedule A









                Schedule of holdings in British Airways plc 
                         As of 13 August 2001

                  Capital Research and Management Company

Registered Name                                            Local Shares

State Street Nominees Limited                                   400,000
Chase Nominees Limited                                       54,487,354
Cede & Co                                                       106,000

                                                  TOTAL      54,993,354
                                   Schedule B