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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent

British Airways to offer free in-flight use of messaging apps

A British Airways Airbus A380 flying over houses in Myrtle Avenue as it prepares to land at London Heathrow airport
British Airways is also introducing new seating and lounges for premium customers as part of a £7bn overhaul. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images

British Airways is to offer free instant messaging on most flights and a new app to allow customers to automatically book alternative travel in cases of disruption, as part of a £7bn overhaul to spruce up the national carrier.

Passengers on planes with wifi – about 80% of the Heathrow fleet, plus all of the smaller Gatwick operation – will from next month be able to send texts on services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger free of charge during the flight.

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