Martin George, commercial director at BA, said: "It is clear that increasing numbers of our customers want to book and organise their travel plans with British Airways via the internet. This is a travel industry-wide trend and we have to ensure our business reflects this."
The volume handled by the company's call centres has fallen by more than 60% since 2001, from 15m to 6m, and it has already reduced headcount from 2,200 to 800. A further 100 jobs will be lost in Belfast and work will move to call centres in Manchester and Newcastle.
Around 300 staff will be affected by the retail closures. George said that the high-street operation was forecast to make ever-increasing losses in future years despite efforts to reduce costs and improve revenue.
If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .