Will the BA merger be a PR disaster?

On Thursday 12th November 2009 it was announced that British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia have planned to merge and create a new airline superpower. The two airlines plan to have merged by late 2010 making them the 3rd largest airline in the world.

The story has already gained a lot of media coverage for numerous reasons, of particular focus and importance is the nostalgia surrounding BA. BA is seen as a British institution and there have been many questions surrounding the loss of identity. Since the news broke many questions have been asked resulting in a very busy BA media office.

The online edition of PRweek has highlighted that the PR agents in BA are trying to stress the benefits of the merger with Iberia. A BA spokeswoman has stated to PRweek that "The key message has been to promote the benefits of the merger. It will increase frequency of flights and strengthen investments in the company."

It has emerged that BA had been considering the merger for some time, it is hoped that the airline merger will make it a true competitor. However BA have faced numerous PR disasters such as the removal of food for short haul slights, luggage delays at terminal 5 and also the introduction of a £60 charge to reserve your seat. BA are hoping this won't be another PR nightmare. There have already been questions asked surrounding employee and customer satisfaction and how they will be affected. The Sun newspaper has highlighted that union leaders have already threatened to oppose BAs merger with Iberia over fears of job losses.

It has yet to be seen what the outcome of this merger will be, but it is fair to say the media office at BA will be kept busy.