British Airways' operations at Gatwick are gearing up for a bumper Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of families jet off for half-term breaks. The airline's 3,000 Gatwick based staff, including 1,200 cabin crew, will be working flat-out to operate more than 500 flights to and from 50 long haul and European destinations over the four days of the holiday weekend.

Cabin crew at Gatwick have ignored Unite's strike calls, so British Airways flights from the UK's second busiest airport have been unaffected.

British Airways' long haul programme at Gatwick has grown this summer, with 52 departures a week to 13 destinations. The most popular destinations for families are Orlando and Tampa for holidays in Florida. Other hotspots include flights to Male for romantic holidays in the
Maldives, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and seven other Caribbean destinations.

British Airways is officially the airline flying to more Caribbean islands than any other carrier from the UK and until 10 June 2010 is offering many Caribbean hotels with up to 25% off from good value lead in properties through to five star resorts.

British Airways is also one of Gatwick's most punctual operators. In March, the airline recorded its best ever punctuality performance with 95 per cent of flights departing on time.

Alan Peever, British Airways general manager at Gatwick, said: "British Airways is really buzzing at Gatwick. We have a big flying programme to a wide network, great punctuality and brilliant service.

"Our operations are at full throttle this weekend as thousands of families take advantage of the half-term holiday. Flights are extremely full, and all our teams are looking forward to providing our customers with the best possible service in the air and on the ground."