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BA could ditch free meals on long-haul flights

British Airways could start charging its customers for meals on long-haul flights, boss Alex Cruz has said.

It follows the airline’s move to scrap free meals and replace them with Marks and Spencer sandwiches and salads, which has been in place since January.

Cruz insisted that the move would offer more choice, but industry commentators say the move is in response to competition from low-cost carriers.

And when asked directly whether a similar paid-for meal service could be introduced on economy long-haul flights, he added: “We might do it.”

BA has come under pressure from the competition from low-cost carriers, who have long since charged for meals, over price. Norwegian is now offering transatlantic flights for under £200 while Ryanair says it now offers more leg room than some BA flights since more seats were added in a bid to reduce fares.

In a statement issued after the interview, BA did not confirm or rule out introducing paid-for meals on long-haul flights.

A spokesman said: “We have no plans currently for a buy-on-board economy product on long-haul, but if that is what interests customers of the future, we will listen.”

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