Departure punctuality is our primary measure, as high performance here requires other operational processes to run smoothly and because it is a significant driver of customer satisfaction. The punctuality of our services improved year-on-year with 78% per cent of flights departing within 15 minutes (2013: 76 per cent of flights departed within 15 minutes of scheduled departure time), but further improvements were hampered by external factors, including industrial action in Europe and baggage system failures at Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
In 2015, we will introduce changes designed to improve and simplify the service we offer to customers at Heathrow. BA will begin operating from two terminals rather than three. Flights to 20 destinations will change terminals and by the middle of October 2015 all of the airline’s services will depart from either our flagship home of Terminal 5 or the main oneworld alliance Heathrow base in Terminal 3. To help prepare for greater numbers of long-haul customers in Terminal 3 and the introduction of our A380 services to this terminal, we will be renovating and extending our check-in areas as well as working with Heathrow Airport Limited to enhance its baggage systems.