BA blames bungling contractor for the computer crash that grounded all flights causing travel chaos for thousands
A source has warned the effects of the failure could be felt for months, with corrupted data yet to surface
A BUNGLING contractor is being blamed for the global computer crash at British Airways.
The IT engineer switched power to a back-up system at one of the airline’s data centres at Heathrow last Saturday as part of routine maintenance.
When power was transferred back to the main supply the proper procedure was not followed. It was switched over too quickly, producing a power surge which crashed all the airline’s computers.
Online check-in, baggage control and phones went dead at Heathrow and Gatwick.
Passengers could not get their luggage. It lasted no more than 15 minutes but caused disruption for 75,000 passengers and could cost £150million in compensation.
The contractors involved were from CBRE Global Workplace Solutions, which confirmed it was helping with an investigation.
A source said the effects could be felt for months, with corrupted data yet to surface.
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It said: “It’s very much human error that’s to blame. It’s not over yet.”
The revelations undermine union claims that outsourcing IT to India was to blame.