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British Airways could start charging for meals on long-haul flights, the airline's boss has revealed.

In September it was announced BA would scrap free meals for economy flights in favour of Marks & Spencer salads and sandwiches.

And now the airline's boss, Alex Cruz, has said it could start charging passengers on long-haul flights for their meals, risking claims it is penny-pinching.

BA has come under fire from passengers who have said they have been unable to buy food on short-haul flights because stocks have fallen too low.

But speaking to the Sunday Times, Mr Cruz insisted: "It’s going great. Customers say to us: ‘Finally, I have good choices. No more chicken or beef’.”

Asked if the M&S service could be extended to economy tickets on long-haul flights, he said: “We might do it."

BA is under pressure to slash fares in order to compete with both budget short-haul airlines such as Ryanair, and low-cost long-haul competitors such as Norwegian, which is offering trans-Atlantic flights for under £200.

But Mr Cruz insisted that the airline would regain its reputation as "the best in Britain and the best in Europe" within two years.

In a statement issued later, BA said: "We have no plans currently for a buy-on-board economy product on long-haul, but if that is what interests customers of the future, we will listen."