BA CEO says felt no political pressure in Airbus choice

LONDON (Reuters) - British Airways experienced no political pressure when choosing Airbus's A380 superjumbo over its traditional choice of Boeing's 747 jumbo, BA Chief Executive Willie Walsh said on Thursday.

BA earlier announced a plane order worth $8.2 billion (4 billion pounds) at list prices, including 12 A380 planes from Airbus and 24 787 airliners from Boeing Co.

The airline said both aircraft types would be powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

"There was absolutely none," Walsh told reporters when asked whether political pressure had been exerted. "There was no contact, be it formal or informal. The decision was made in the best interest of British Airways. In the engines, the choice of Rolls Royce was because British is best."