Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of British Airways on the provision of financial support for that company during the covid-19 outbreak.

The department is monitoring and in regular dialogue with aviation businesses, including British Airways, ensuring that firms which provide vital services and infrastructure still exist following the outbreak.

The Chancellor has taken significant action to support businesses throughout the UK economy – including unprecedented steps to support wages and financing. These include Time to Pay, financial support for employees, and the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

We do not comment on the commercial or financial matters of private firms. To protect the interests of the taxpayer, the Chancellor has been clear that bespoke Government support will only be considered as a last resort, once all other options have been fully exhausted – including raising further capital from existing investors, approaching other investors, and discussing arrangements with financial stakeholders. Any Government support will only be provided on commercial terms.