What's happened
British Airways is experiencing significant flight delays and cancellations due to a failure in its communications systems and ongoing shortages of Trent 1000 engines. Passengers are facing extended wait times, with some flights delayed by over two hours. The airline's operational challenges reflect broader issues in the aerospace industry.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Simon Calder in The Independent, British Airways has faced significant delays and cancellations due to a communications system failure, with flights delayed by over two hours. He notes that this is not the first time BA has encountered such issues, referencing past IT failures that have disrupted operations. Meanwhile, Metro highlights the impact of engine shortages on ticket prices, with fares for certain routes skyrocketing due to reduced competition. The Independent also reports on the broader implications for the aviation industry, with experts warning that supply chain issues could persist for years, affecting flight availability and pricing. This sentiment is echoed by Rachel Hagan, who emphasizes the long-term challenges facing airlines due to workforce shortages and supply chain bottlenecks.
How we got here
British Airways has a history of IT failures and operational disruptions, with recent issues exacerbated by a shortage of critical engine parts from Rolls-Royce. This has led to the cancellation of numerous long-haul flights and increased ticket prices due to reduced competition.
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