LONDON 27th May 2005 (Rooters) - In a related development, American Airlines' One World Alliance partner British Air (sic) announced that effective immediately all British Air (sic) Executive Club bonus miles obtained by BA(sic)EC members through a popular joint promotion with UK retail giant TESCO will only be usable for "open-jaw" itineraries booked using BA's state-of-the-art on-line reservation system. BA "open-jaw" flight itineraries occur when one returns to Manchester rather than London from select destinations in eastern Europe.

In a published release to the Son newspaper, British Air (sic) stated that this service enhancement was undertaken to remain competitive with a growing group of emerging European low-cost carriers. The statement singled out Poland-based Wizzair, along with "that Irish bunch" as contributing to the decision to restructure the TESCO programme.

TESCO spokespersons declined comment on the BA move, but pointed out that great bargains are to be had in the produce sections of most TESCO superstores throughout the Midlands.