BA to keep OpenSkies premium brand

British Airways has insisted it will keep its premium airline brand, OpenSkies,

BA

The struggling airline has been tipped to sell off the subsidiary airline, but says it will keep full ownership of OpenSkies, ending speculation of outsider investor involvement.

In a statement, the airline stresses: “We have no plans to sell OpenSkies or seek third party investment in the airline.”

OpenSkies was creatd by BA last year. The move followed backing from the European Union and the US to liberalise transatlantic air travel.

The premium airline began running services between Paris and New York last summer.

BA adds: “We are reviewing all aspects of our business in the current economic climate including our subsidiary OpenSkies. OpenSkies is a high quality premium airline that remains of strategic and financial value to us. Its Paris-New York flights are performing well, despite the current economic environment, and customer feedback is very positive.”

Last month, chief executive of British Airways Willie Walsh denied that recent revenue raising and cost cutting initiatives are turning the airline into a low cost carrier.

The airline recently agreed to merge with Iberia to merge in a deal that will create the world’s third biggest airline, but they will retain their seperate brand identities.