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It has been revealed today (2/12/08) that British Airways plc is exploring a potential merger with Australian carrier Quantas Airways.

A statement from BA plc has revealed that they are considering a dual-listed company structure with the Australian carrier. Talks with regards to a similar merger with Spanish airline Iberia are also continuing.

A dual-listed company refers to a structure wherein both companies continue to exist with separate bodies of shareholders, but they agree to share all the risks and rewards of the ownership of all their operating businesses in a fixed proportion.

British Airways is the UK’s largest international scheduled airline, flying to over 550 destinations globally.

Budget airline Ryanair has been affected by strike action at Boeing. The strike in the US has delayed delivery of the next generation 737-800 aircraft and as a result Ryanair have been forced to delay opening new bases at Edinburgh, Scotland and Reus, Spain.

The carrier was expecting to base two new 737 aircraft at Edinburgh and Reus.

The Irish budget carrier has also deferred its planned expansion at Bergamo, Italy where it was due to introduce its seventh aircraft from October ’08.