BRITISH Airways is due to meet Singapore Airlines this week to try to resolve their dispute over first-class seats (Travel Weekly May 31).
BA chief executive Bob Ayling and the airline’s Singapore-based legal team have had one meeting with SIA to demand changes to the Asian carrier’s $300m first-class product.
Another meeting is planned for the end of the month so BA can reiterate its claim that SIA is infringing patents with its bed-seat.
SIA has already complained that BA’s accusations are unjustified and is to keep the seats in aircraft while talks are going on.
A BA spokeswoman confirmed that nothing had been resolved in almost a month of negotiations.
BA’s main concerns surround the design of SIA’s product, although the airline has refused to say what specific problems it has with the seat.
If the argument is not resolved amicably, then it could go to court in Singapore.
However, the wrangle is not expected to be resolved quickly and is set to drag on until next year.
BA has also warned it will not shirk from challenging other carriers which appear to be copying its sleeper seat. BA’s design has been in the market for the past three years.