Here’s more proof that airlines will do practically anything to plug the giant hole that the coronavirus pandemic punched in their bottom lines: British Airways is selling off paintings from its renowned art collection to keep itself afloat.
The airline has a large collection that includes works by British artists Damien Hirst, Peter Doig, and Anish Kapoor.
One piece that’s been designated for sale, by Bridget Riley, hangs in BA’s executive lounge at Heathrow airport. It’s been valued “well into seven figures,” one expert told the Evening Standard.
The art sales may help BA shore up its finances, but it can’t paint over its damaged reputation.
On Saturday, British lawmakers labeled the airline a “national disgrace” over the company’s plan to cut 12k jobs.