BA switches advertising agencies

LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- British Airways has dropped longtime advertising agent Saatchi and given its business to Bartle Bogel Hegarty.

The airline, which spends more than $100 million yearly on advertising, has worked with Maurice and Charles Saatchi for 23 years. Its account with BA comprised about 7 percent of the group's revenues.

BA's commercial director, Martin George, said he made the decision to drop Saatchi after "a long and successful relationship," the Telegraph reported Wednesday.

George said he was impressed by "the quality of the people" at BBH and "their ability to get to grips with our business and the challenges it faces in a short time."