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Airlines meet on security concern BA 'optimistic' on security plans
(about 5 hours later)
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and BMI are among airlines set to meet with government officials to discuss the impact of tougher security measures. British Airways says it is "optimistic" about finding a compromise over tough airport security measures that airlines say are damaging their business.
Airlines have complained that the extra security has increased costs, and made check-ins more difficult. Airport firm BAA will also be attending the meeting. BA was one of a number of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic and BMI, that met with government officials earlier.
Ruth Kelly, the new transport minister, convened the security summit ahead of the UK's peak summer travel period. Airlines complain that extra security has boosted costs and made checking in more difficult, while limits on carry on luggage are putting travellers off.
Travellers are currently being limited on what can be taken onto an aircraft.
The measures, which began last summer, are part of a bid to combat terrorism.The measures, which began last summer, are part of a bid to combat terrorism.
'Real progress'
Ruth Kelly, the UK's new transport minister, convened the security summit ahead of the UK's peak summer travel period.
As well as having to undergo more stringent checks, passengers are also being limited to one piece of carry-on hand luggage.
"I made it very clear that the one piece of hand luggage restriction which applies to customers departing the UK and transferring through the UK has no security justification," said BA's chief executive Willie Walsh.
He added that it had become intensely irritating to customers and was "also damaging the UK's reputation around the world from a business perspective". However, Mr Walsh said that "the new transport secretary has made it clear that she wants this issue addressed and has set up a smaller working group with immediate effect to see how quickly this restriction can be revised".
"I am optimistic that some real progress can be made."
In past weeks, BA has been wrestling with baggage problems prompted by the terror attack in Scotland, a security alert at Heathrow's Terminal 4 and bad weather.In past weeks, BA has been wrestling with baggage problems prompted by the terror attack in Scotland, a security alert at Heathrow's Terminal 4 and bad weather.