British Airways has today announced what is believed to be a first in aviation history.

They have set up a creche in the cockpit of one of their Boeing 747s.

    A spokesperson for the company said with the increase in women pilots they now

felt the time was right for this new initiative.

   `The flightdeck has been stripped of all unnecessary clutter such as the First

Officer, Flight Engineer, instrument panels and none-essential flight controls. In their

place a sand-pit, climbing frame, ball pool and nappy-changing area have been

installed. A fully trained Nanny will also be in attendance.

    `We know from the comments we have been receiving that some of our women

pilots have been finding it increasingly difficult trying to juggle a very demanding job,

which often sees them away from home for several days at a time, and looking after

their very young children. With this new innovation the pilot will be able to have her

child or children with her at all times, which the company feels will make for a much

happier, and  therefore more efficient pilot.`

     Initially only one of BAs aircraft will have these new facilities, but the

spokesperson said that if the idea proved popular with the crew, and passengers had

no objections, the scheme would be rolled out to a further six aircraft in the fleet.
  
   `We know this is ground-breaking in the world of aviation  but with more women

becoming commercial pilots we are  sure other carriers will soon follow suite,` the

spokesperson concluded.