British Airways commits £6.5 billion to service delivery

British Airways, flag carrier of the United Kingdom has committed £6.5 billion to improve its services to clients and customers. The investment, which will see the airliner take delivery of new aircrafts, updated cabins, focus more on services and increase destinations, is part of the company’s 100-year anniversary.

The company also indicates that as part of the planned upgrade, an improved check-in area, flight connections and lounges will be put in place to ensure passengers have a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.

Currently operating daily flights to Accra, British Airways says almost 30,000 staff will receive the airline’s all-new customer service training to manage any customer issue, from re-booking to upgrades, lounge access, baggage and transfer queries and flight information.

British Airways, part of International Airlines Group, is one of the world’s leading global airlines and the largest international carrier in the UK. With its home base at London Heathrow, over 123,000 customers fly with the airline every day to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries across the globe.

The company, which made £1.95 billion last year with its operating margin over 15% higher compared to 2017, has announced it will take delivery of 72 new aircrafts, including four new types for the British Airways fleet, next five year.

As part of improvements planned from the investments, the company has pioneered facial recognition technology with more biometric technology to make boarding faster and more convenient, helping British Airways depart flights on, or ahead of time.

The Heathrow-based airline, as part of the its 100-year celebration, has opened more than 100 places on one of the airline’s seven apprenticeship programmes. The roles range from Head Office and Customer Service roles to opportunities in Engineering and Operations. The new Cabin Crew Apprenticeship programme will provide a further 1600 apprenticeship positions in 2019.

Karen Hewitt, British Airways’ Apprenticeship & Emerging Talent Manager, in an interview said: “British Airways has a long tradition of running quality apprenticeship schemes, offering apprentices an incredible insight into how to run a successful airline business. Our apprentices have the unique opportunity to learn from the very best industry experts, while undertaking practical training in a real-world environment.

“I would encourage anyone, at any age, to apply for one of our apprenticeships in 2019, as we celebrate our centenary and look ahead to the next 100 years of flying. There really has never been a better time to join British Airways.”