British airways has been awarded a blue rating, the highest available under Government tests, after spending £100m on a millennium programme involving both the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Aviation Authority, to ensure that its technology is safe.
As the new century arrives, BA will have 20 flights in the air – 25 less than in 1998/99.
However, a spokeswoman said this was due to economic factors, and not down to fears over millennium bug problems.
Over the New Year period, BA will operate 285 flights. However, all short-haul services stop at 6pm on December 31.
The airline said bookings were up 29% for the period, but most passengers will travel before the changeover into 2000. Services in the air over New Year midnight include South African, Hong Kong and New York flights. Meanwhile, BA Oneworld partner American Airlines is to scale back its schedule, and that of regional subsidiary American Eagle, over the New Year.
Exact routes have not been released, but services which show a lack of bookings will be dropped.
American’s parent AMR Corp will spend $220m on ensuring it is millennium bug compliant.