Etihad Airways posts impressive first-quarter earnings
British Airways Breaks Records with Impressive Q1 Performance
British Airways, the national airline of the United Kingdom, has started the year 2025 on a high note, recording a series of impressive achievements in the first quarter. The airline reported a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores, a record in the company's history, and a 15% increase in total revenue to $1.8 billion.
The airline's profitability also saw a significant boost, with a post-tax profit of $187 million and an EBITDA margin of 21%, a three-percentage-point increase from the previous year. CEO Antonioaldo Neves attributed this record quarter to a clear strategic focus on growing sustainably, remaining operationally efficient, and putting the customer experience at the center.
The airline served 80 destinations by the end of the first quarter, with around 5 million passengers traveling with British Airways, a 16% increase from the previous year. The passenger business contributed $1.5 billion to British Airways' total revenue.
British Airways' innovation and differentiation efforts are evident in the introduction of new aircraft types like the A350-1000 and the reactivation of the A380. The exclusive "The Residence" suite will be included in the reactivated A380. The new First Class cabin of the A321LR offers private suites, flat business class seats, and new services like personal concierge and chauffeur transfers.
New lounges, in-flight menus, improved digital services, and faster Wi-Fi connections contributed to the increase in customer satisfaction. The seat load factor for British Airways reached a new high of 87%, increasing by one percentage point. Despite a slight volume decline, British Airways' cargo segment contributed to the positive balance with an 8% increase in revenue in the first quarter of 2025.
British Airways appointed Antonioaldo Neves as CEO in August 2023. Dominik Lelle, a member of the online editorial team at AERO INTERNATIONAL since 2023, has been covering the airline's journey. Outside of his editorial role, Dominik Lelle is a passionate traveler who looks forward to discovering new horizons. His passion for aviation inspires him to make the world of aviation tangible and exciting for readers.
Looking ahead, British Airways plans to add 16 more routes to its network for the current year. The airline's commitment to growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to set it apart in the competitive aviation industry.
