British Airways intends to open a new route for Portuguese destinations, in the course Manchester-Funchal, during the next Summer time, starting on the 16th May 2005.

It is a weekly flight, to be carried out in a A-320 by its franchised GB Airways. It will continue to operate flights from Gatwick to Madeira, starting to serve, besides London and the South of England, the industrial region of Manchester and the North of England.
 
In a recent enquiry to 11.000 British consumers, the British Airways brand was classified among the seven most popular in the market and the first among all the transporters. The enquiry comprehended 50 brands of great consumption, with the transporters occupying the following relative positions:  British Airways with double the votes of Virgin Atlantic, followed by EasyJet, Emirates (official sponsor of the team and of the new Arsenal Football Club stadium and the only foreign brand recognised by British passengers) and BMI (British Midland International).