BA shares help FTSE close in positive territory

British Airways shares were given a major boost today when the airline announced plans to tackle its £2.1bn (€3.09bn) pensions deficit.

BA will increase a one-off cash injection from £500m (€737m) to £800m (€1.17bn) and offered to pay up to £50m (€73.7m) a year for the next three years if staff accepted future benefit changes. Shares have been depressed by the pensions issue but were up 21.75p at 485p today.