BRITISH Airways
George made the decision in the wake of his leave of absence since June this year, when the Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice began an investigation into long-haul passenger fuel surcharges.
The airline’s head of communications Iain Burns, who has also been on leave of absence in June thanks to the same investigation, also stood down with immediate effect.
In a letter to BA chairman Martin Broughton, George said: “I now recognise that within my department, there have been inappropriate conversations in violation of company policy in relation to long-haul fuel surcharges. I was not involved in such conversations.
“Although the board of BA have not found that I have behaved in a dishonest way, I fully recognise my responsibilities as head of department and board director.
“As you know, becoming a board member of British Airways has been the highlight of my career so far. I remain committed to doing what I can in the interests of the airline, to which I have dedicated my last 19 working years.
“I have always taken my responsibilities as a director and board member very seriously and I therefore depart with deep regret, whilst believing that departing is, in these circumstances and for these reasons, nevertheless, the right course.”
George will be replaced by BA’s director of planning Robert Boyle while former Abbey National communications director Thomas Coops has been appointed interim head of corporate and media relations for the airline.