British Airways attacked for lack of cleanliness

A leading London gallery owner has publicly attacked British Airways. Michael Hoppen, owner of the Michael Hoppen Gallery in Chelsea, has announced that he now uses other long-haul carriers because of the filthy state of BA's planes. 

Talking to the Times newspaper Hoppen said the carrier's aircraft contained dirty tables, sticky seats and blankets covered in stains.

Hoppen's claims came in the wake of news that a BA flight to Ghana was grounded after the flight crew refused to fly following an outbreak of bed bugs. 

In a statement British Airways said: "We place huge importance on the cleanliness of our aircraft and wherever they are in the world they are cleaned after every flight. We have recently introduced a team of our own managers to work alongside our cleaners at Heathrow to carry out increased inspections."