Mike Jeffery retires

British Airways PLC
16 May 2001

MIKE JEFFERY RETIRES


London, Wednesday, May 16th, 2001: British Airways today announced the
retirement of Captain Mike Jeffery, Director of Flight Operations, after 35
years with the company.


Mike Jeffery will leave British Airways at the end of June and will be
succeeded by his deputy Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths.


Rod Eddington, Chief Executive of British Airways, said: 'Mike Jeffery's
leadership of Flight Operations has been outstanding. He is renowned for his
commitment and energy and is widely respected across the company.


'I am delighted to welcome Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths as Mike Jeffery's
successor into what is one of the most demanding roles in British Airways. His
experience, drive and determination makes him the ideal choice.'


British Airways today also announced the retirement of Captain Colin Barnes
from the British Airways' Board. Colin will retire on 30th September after ten
years as a non-executive director. It is intended that Mike Jeffery will join
the Board in October and also replace Colin as Chairman of the Safety Review
Committee.


Paying tribute, Lord Marshall, British Airways' Chairman, said: 'I will be
very sorry to lose Colin's knowledge and wisdom and would like to thank him
most sincerely for his valuable work over the years, both for his work on the
Board and during his 36 years in Flight Operations. He will retire with our
very best wishes.


'Mike Jeffery has made a tremendous contribution to British Airways over the
years and I believe the Board would benefit enormously from his immense
experience and knowledge.'


                                     ends

16 May, 2001    059/BC/01

Notes to editors attached


Notes to editors:


    1.      Mike Jeffery joined British European Airways in 1966. He was
    appointed a British Airways captain in 1974, Chief Pilot 737s in 1981,
    General Manager Flight Crew in 1986 and Director of Flight Operations in
    1996. He is responsible for a team of 4,000 including approximately 3,300
    flight crew. Mike is also an advisory Board Member of Deutsche BA.


    2.      Lloyd Cromwell Griffiths joined the airline in 1973 as a direct
    entry pilot. He was appointed Chief Pilot Scotland in 1989, Commercial
    Manager Flight Operations in 1991, Chief Pilot Boeing 757/767 fleet in
    1992 and General Manager Flight Operations and Strategy (deputy to the
    Director of Flight Operations) in 1995. Lloyd also serves on the Board of
    Brymon Airways and British Airways Regional.


    3.      Colin Barnes joined the British Airways' Board in 1991, after
    flying 36 years with the airline as a pilot with the final five years as
    Director of Flight Crew.


    4.      There are three executive directors and nine non-executive
    directors on the British Airways' Board.

    5.      In accordance with best practice, appointments to the Board are
    considered by its Nominations Committee which makes a recommendation for
    the full Board to consider in due course.