British Airways

British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom and one of the world's largest international carriers by passengers carried and revenue. It operates an extensive global network connecting London with destinations across six continents, with particular strength in transatlantic routes between the UK and North America. The airline was formed in 1974 following the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airways (BEA), and was privatised in 1987. It merged with Iberia in 2011 to form the International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world's largest airline groups. British Airways is headquartered at Waterside near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest international airports in the world. The airline has faced significant challenges in recent years including industrial disputes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but remains a major force in global aviation.