In 1987, British Airways was privatised, and over the next decade turned from a loss-making nationalised company into "The World's Favourite Airline" - a market-leading and very profitable plc. The strategy that transformed the company into a marketing-led and efficient operation was conceived and implemented by Lord King as Chairman, aided by Sir Colin (subsequently Lord) Marshall: two tough businessmen who confronted staff inefficiencies and so improved service effectiveness that BA was rated international business travellers' …showed first 75 words of 1691 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1691 total…or through acquisition and free to charge whatever the market would bear." These talks are likely to be very long. However, it potentially offers the opportunity for an opening of the two biggest airline markets and lead to substantial consolidation of participants. (FT, 29.9.03). The takeover of KLM, the Dutch flag carrier, by Air France, may be the precursor to the consolidation expected. BA sees no threat from what is now Europe's largest airline. D.Tel, 1.01.03).