British Airways Reports Record Year, Plans Starlink Wi-Fi and 787-10 Expansion

CEO Sean Doyle highlights 2025 achievements, including strong financial results, customer satisfaction gains, and sustainability initiatives.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:29pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a sleek metal model of a British Airways 787-10 aircraft, a premium leather-bound logbook, and a pair of aviator sunglasses, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and shadows.British Airways' investment in new 787-10 aircraft and premium amenities signals the airline's commitment to modernizing the travel experience.Heathrow Today

British Airways has reported a record-breaking year in 2025, with an operating profit of £2,230 million, a 15.2% operating margin, and a 1.7% increase in passenger numbers. The airline's CEO, Sean Doyle, highlighted the company's transformation efforts, including 600 completed projects aimed at enhancing the customer experience. Key achievements include record-high punctuality, a 10.5-point increase in Net Promoter Score, and the introduction of new amenities like premium wine upgrades and Birchall tea. British Airways also made progress on sustainability, increasing its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel to 4.5% and removing over 380 tonnes of single-use plastics. Looking ahead, the airline plans to introduce free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi in 2026 and expand its fleet with 32 new Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

Why it matters

British Airways' strong financial and operational performance in 2025 demonstrates the success of its ongoing transformation efforts to modernize the airline and improve the customer experience. The investments in technology, sustainability, and fleet renewal position the company for continued growth and competitiveness in the aviation industry. The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi and the 787-10 aircraft will further enhance the airline's offerings and appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

The details

British Airways' 2025 results show significant progress across several key areas. The airline's operating profit of £2,230 million, a £182 million increase from 2024, and an operating margin of 15.2% exceeded expectations. Passenger numbers also grew by 1.7% compared to the previous year. These financial achievements were driven by 600 completed projects aimed at improving the customer experience, including initiatives like Group 0 boarding, fewer boarding groups, and automated announcements to streamline the travel process. The airline also invested in enhancing its food and drink offerings, such as premium wine upgrades and Birchall tea. Additionally, British Airways opened a new First Wing at London Heathrow and launched global lounge concepts in Miami and Dubai to elevate its luxury travel experience.

  • British Airways unveiled its annual results on April 11, 2026.
  • The airline plans to introduce free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi starting in March 2026.
  • British Airways will begin receiving deliveries of 32 new Boeing 787-10 aircraft in 2029 to replace its existing 777-200 fleet.

The players

Sean Doyle

The CEO of British Airways, who highlighted the airline's record-breaking performance in 2025 and outlined its plans for the future.

IAG

The parent company of British Airways, which unveiled the airline's annual results.

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What they’re saying

“2025 wasn't just a good year—it was a record-breaking one, and it's all thanks to the dedication of our teams across the globe.”

— Sean Doyle, CEO, British Airways

“While we're proud of these achievements, we also faced challenges, like the Heathrow power outage, which led to over 700 cancellations. Yet, within days, we were operating at 95% capacity, showcasing the resilience of our teams and the power of our investments in technology.”

— Sean Doyle, CEO, British Airways

“As we continue to innovate, what other amenities or services would you like to see us introduce to make your journey even better?”

— Sean Doyle, CEO, British Airways

What’s next

British Airways plans to introduce free, high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on all flights starting in March 2026, revolutionizing in-flight connectivity for passengers. The airline will also launch a new First seat, the British Airways ARC music venue at Olympia, and a redesigned mobile app to further enhance the travel experience.

The takeaway

British Airways' strong financial and operational performance in 2025, coupled with its investments in customer experience, sustainability, and fleet renewal, position the airline for continued growth and success in the aviation industry. The introduction of Starlink Wi-Fi and the expansion of the 787-10 fleet demonstrate the airline's commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.