British Airways (BA) is cutting 400 jobs as part of changes to its direct sales operation, the company has said.
The airline plans to close its call centre in Belfast – which employs 100 people – and all 17 of its UK Travel Shops, by August, affecting a further 300 staff.
In a statement, the company said one of the main reasons for the move was that more people were booking their flights and holidays online.
The company said it would consult with the affected staff and their unions. It said it would offer all the support it could to affected staff, either to find other jobs within BA or with other employers.
Martin George, BA’s commercial director, said the company had to reflect how customers were booking flights.
“It is clear that increasing numbers of our customers want to book and organise their travel plans with British Airways via the internet,” he said.
