WIDE-BODIED jets are to be used on services between Scotland and

London for the first time later this month as demand increases on the

route.

British Airways is to introduce Boeing 767 aircraft on its peak

weekday evening shuttle between London and Glasgow, offering 52 more

seats than on the normal 757. The 247-seat 767 will fly from Heathrow at

6.15pm and back at 8.15pm.

Senior BA official Mr George Cooper said that the aircraft had been

bought for use in the late 1980s on shuttle routes but the demand had

tailed off.

''We have been getting indications since mid-March that volumes are on

the increase on the shuttle,'' he added.

''While we have the aircraft and crew available to operate the back-up

service, we have to be realistic and say that air traffic control slots

are so few and far between that we cannot guarantee a quick departure.

''By introducing a larger aircraft we can live up to the 'turn up and

take off' promise and get our passengers away on time.''