Ashes cricket means hottest British Airways fares

The batting of Kevin Pietersen or the bowling of Andrew Flintoff could bring massive British Airways fare reductions, for fliers between England and Australia during the latest Ashes contest series.

For one of the five tests, national carriers British Airways and Qantas are teaming up to offer fares on flights to Australia based on innings scores, with the number of seats determined by the amount of runs scored by the opposing team.

For the second npower Test at Lord's (July 16-20), the price of flights will be determined by Australia's first innings, with availability of seats determined by England's reply.

For example, if Australia are bowled out for 230 and England make 395, there will be 395 seats available from each airline at £230 - an amazing reduction on a typical fare of £730.

From July 21, customers wanting to fly with British Airways can visit britishairways.com while Qantas customers should check on qantas.com.

Visitors taking their first flight to Sydney will be dazzled by endless beaches, the relaxed outdoor lifestyle and exciting architecture from the Opera House sails to the arched harbour. British Airways offers a variety of accommodation and Avis car rental in Sydney to accompany its massive fare reductions.

Travellers can stay at the cosmopolitan Sebel Surry Hills, the perfect place from which to explore Sydney's major attractions or enjoy a treat at the 5* Blue Sydney in the heart of the marina on the Wharf at Woolloomooloo, or take a flight to Melbourne and browse the funky boutiques in the GPO Building and waterfront dining in the docklands. Stay at the centrally located Citigate Albert Park, opposite the Grand Prix track or spend your savings at The Langham on the bank of the Yara River.

British Airways' consumer sales manager Simon Brooks said: "If it's anything like the previous Ashes, we expect to be bowled over with interest from customers. The Ashes is a highlight in the sporting calendar, and now there's an extra reason to get behind your team."

Stephen Thompson, executive manager international sales at Qantas Airlines said: "There's always a traditional friendly rivalry between the Brits and Aussies during the Ashes, and this promotion will ensure the second npower test is even more of an exciting showdown."

In the previous Ashes in 2005, British Airways offered 367 seats at £373 when Australia scored 367 runs for 373 against England in the final test. Flights were sold out within 30 minutes.

For qualifying travel periods please check each airline's website from July 21.

Ends

Notes to Editors
- Flights are only available in British Airways' World Traveller cabin and International Economy on Qantas
- The minimum return fare will be not be less than £125
- British Airways has had a Joint Services Agreement with Qantas since 1995 on the ‘kangaroo route', between the UK and Australia, offering both airline's customers a greater choice of fares, products and services

About British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd
British Airways Holidays Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of British Airways plc, which offers a range of destinations, hotels, car rental and experiences. With many money-saving special offers available; and the security of travelling with British Airways, British Airways Holidays Ltd can add peace of mind to holiday plans. Working very closely with colleagues at British Airways, British Airways Holidays constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd PR contact:
Katja Cooper
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01293 722107
www.ba.com