| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 26/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 80 |
| Copyright: Other |
Airline makes move to push more business on-line
British Airways targets Internet sales growth
Report by PAUL NORRIS
BRITISHAirways has stepped up its drive for more Internet business by launching a preferred partner package for on-line agents.Participating firms will be given special fares, promotional opportunities and information on BA products to use on their Web sites. Agents will have to incorporate a BA logo which links with the airline’s own Internet site.
Head of BA leisure business Robin Hayes said: “This move is a critical part of the plan to drive more of our business on-line. Agents with Web sites form a significant part of our on-line strategy.”
BA set up the initiative after consultation with retailers.
Agents interested in signing up should contact their BA account manager.
The airline intends to achieve 50% of sales on-line in three years, claiming that agents will not be sidelined in favour of direct bookings.
Promotions of the BA Web site and other brands including the new Club World and World Traveller Plus will be launched later this year.
Meanwhile BA has renewed its franchise agreement with GB Airways for a further eight years.
The Gatwick-based airline is expected to take over a wider range of BA routes, which currently include mainly Spanish and north African destinations.
n BA and Virgin Atlantic have buried the hatchet after BA’s new chief executive Rod Eddington and Sir Richard Branson met up over a cup of tea.
While the two men agreed to differ on some issues, it is understood they discussed the hot topic of improved air traffic control as well as landing slots and alliances.
The meeting brings to an end years of conflict between the airlines following the so-called dirty tricks campaign by BA against Virgin 10-years ago.