British Airways reports traffic increase

British Airways PLC reported passenger traffic up year-on-year in August with rises in both premium and economy classes.

In a further cost cutting measure, it reduced the commission it pays travel agents, to a flat 1% by December 1. This will phase out the current sector payments it makes. Traffic last month measured in revenue passengers kilometres (RPKs) was up 4.8% on a year ago.

This breaks down as a 5.3% increase in non-premium volumes and 1.1% increase in premium passengers.

The company also unveiled new US routes under the codeshare agreement with American Airlines. This will ultimately see 100 new routes added to the British group's flight roster.

The first US destinations to come on line will be Raleigh Durham, Nashville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Minneapolis St Paul, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Panama City and San Antonio.