Response to BA announcement

TBI PLC
27 September 2001


For immediate release  27 September 2001



                                  TBI plc

                  Response to British Airways Announcement


TBI has today been notified by British Airways of changes to its route network
following last week's decision by the airline to operate a reduced flying
programme.  As part of these plans, BA is withdrawing its Heathrow-Belfast
service with expected effect from 28 October.  In connection with this, BA's
associate BRAL is also withdrawing services from Belfast International.

In the worst case, making no allowance for replacement revenues at Belfast
International from other carriers absorbing the BA passengers, the direct
financial impact would be a reduction in profit before tax of £1.6 million for
the financial year to 31 March 2002 and £5.3 million for the year to 31 March
2003.

TBI will be taking action to mitigate the consequences including seeking
further business at Belfast International.  Indeed in the last few weeks
easyJet and Go Fly have commenced operation of routes from Belfast
International which on an annualised basis represent capacity of more than one
million seats.

Keith Brooks, Chief Executive of TBI, said today:

'Whilst we are disappointed by the action that BA has taken the 350,000
passengers affected will still need a route between Northern Ireland and
London.  We will be discussing this situation with other carriers.'



Enquiries:

TBI                                                     020 7408 7300
Keith Brooks
Caroline Price

Buchanan Communications                                 020 7466 5000
Charles Ryland
Nicola Cronk