British Airways estimates that the first two days of the latest strike disruption have cost the airline £11 million ($16 million).

But the carrier is citing an improved operational performance during the current four-day period of industrial action by cabin crew, which started on 27 March.

Over the last two days, BA says it operated 83% of its long-haul and 67% of its short-haul services, including a full normal schedule from London Gatwick. BA says its long-haul load factor reached 75% and it achieved 64% short-haul loads.

"This strong and improved operational performance made possible by dedicated BA staff has further reduced the impact of the disruption," says the carrier.

BA's financial year ends this week. It says the strike cost £5.5 million per day over 27-28 March, but says the full-year earnings expectations "continue broadly unchanged".

The carrier has halved the number of wet-leased aircraft taken on, to 11, adding that these cost around £495,000 for the last two days.

BA also operated 61 positioning flights to return passengers and transport cargo.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news