New details about a deal reached last year between London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Chicago-based United Airlines have led to an official complaint being filed against the politician. During a transatlantic trip to the United States, the airline paid the flight expenses of Khan, his team and journalists.

The mayor's visit was reportedly his first international trip since the pandemic began. A spokesman for Khan claimed the deal with United was a "one-off deal" and saved taxpayers money.

Details about the complaint

According to The Standard, Khan traveled to the United States in May 2022 and visited New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles on a mayoral trade mission. The trip was aimed at attracting American tourists, businessmen and investors to London. However, British politician Caroline Russell expressed concern about the mayor's lack of integrity and transparency.

Russell, leader of the Green Party in the London Assembly, lodged an official complaint with the London City Council supervisor, alleging that Khan's personal and official accounts about X appeared to promote United during his visit last year.

The City Council also reportedly agreed, as stated in a document, that the US airline would receive "various promotional opportunities" in exchange for the free flights. The so-called opportunities included the chance to use the United logo on signage at external events in the cities Khan visited and in public relations materials issued by City Hall. However, it is unclear whether the airline took advantage of the promotional benefits.

'United Airlines provided free advertising

Russell explained her concerns and said the mayor and her team flew business class on the airline, according to a statement obtained by The Standard.

Last year, it was revealed at a City Council oversight committee meeting that United actually paid the cost of Khan and his team's flights. A spokesperson for the mayor discussed details of the trip to The Standard.

"Promoting London at home and abroad is an important part of being mayor and Sadiq makes no apologies for traveling to the United States last year and saving taxpayers money on flights," the spokesperson said. "This visit was his first international mission since the start of the pandemic and an opportunity to promote tourism in London and showcase the capital to businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and students from the world's largest economy."