Editing British Airways (section)

==== History of British Airways ====
'''Early Beginnings and Formation'''

The story of British Airways dates back to the '''1920s''', when several small British airlines were operating both domestic and international flights. The need for consolidation became apparent, and through a series of mergers, the airline industry in the UK began to take shape.

* In '''1935''', '''Imperial Airways''' and '''British Airways Ltd.''' merged to form '''British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)'''. This consolidation laid the foundation for the modern British flag carrier.
* In '''1940''', '''BOAC''' began operating long-haul international services, including routes to North America, Asia, and the Middle East, marking the UK’s entry into the global aviation network.
* Another significant development occurred in '''1960''', when '''British European Airways (BEA)''' and '''BOAC''' merged to form what would eventually become British Airways. '''BEA''' was responsible for domestic and European flights, while '''BOAC''' focused on international travel.

'''The Birth of British Airways (1974)'''

In '''1974''', following the merger of '''BOAC''' and '''BEA''', '''British Airways''' was officially established as a single entity. This new airline quickly became a leader in British and international aviation, serving both European and global markets. In 1987, '''British Airways''' was privatized, becoming a publicly traded company listed on the '''London Stock Exchange'''.

'''Global Expansion and Modernization'''

The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a period of rapid growth and modernization for British Airways. The airline introduced the '''Concorde supersonic aircraft''' in 1976, a symbol of British aviation excellence that flew until 2003, providing a glimpse into the future of air travel with its record-breaking speeds.

In the '''1990s''', British Airways continued to expand its global network through a series of mergers and alliances, most notably joining the '''Oneworld''' alliance in '''1999''' alongside airlines like '''American Airlines''' and '''Cathay Pacific'''. British Airways also made significant investments in its fleet and customer service, modernizing its aircraft and introducing new technologies.

In the '''2000s''', British Airways underwent further restructuring, including the '''merger with Iberia''' (Spanish Airways) in '''2011''', creating the '''International Airlines Group (IAG)''', one of the world's largest airline groups. This move positioned British Airways as a major player in the global aviation market, alongside its sister carriers.