GB Airways initiative aims to raise sales

GB Airways initiative aims to raise sales

GB AIRWAYSis targeting its top tour operators for a sales and marketing offensive in a bid to drum up business independently of franchise partner British Airways.

The Gatwick-based airline – which has seen business hit by low-cost carriers and charter airlines muscling in on its traditional holiday strongholds in Spain, Portugal and the Canaries – is issuing sales and marketing agreements to 40 of its best tour operator customers and key corporate accounts.

UK and Ireland head of sales Nick Sharps said: “BA is focused on a different market. We want to have our own agenda and develop our own accounts. It’s time for us to market ourselves better. The fact is that we can no longer rely on BA to do the marketing for us.”

GB will also use new corporate and leisure sales appointments to raise its profile within the trade, including more sales calls and visits to travel conferences and exhibitions.