UK’s mega carrier British Airways recently celebrated its On Business partners in Nigeria during an evening graced with entertainment, raffle draw and fashion show featuring designs from the rising designer, House of Dorcas, held at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi.
Launched globally in 2009 and extended to Nigeria in 2010, On Business is a global loyalty programme for emerging companies designed to help them make the most of their travel budget, with the company’s employees accumulating points any time they travel, and the points earned redeemed for valuable travel benefits at a later date.
Manager, Corporate Sales, British Airways Nigeria, Mrs. Adetutu Otuyalo pointed out that On Business was created by the airline having realised the difficulties small and medium sized businesses can face when it comes to travel budgets, as well as the benefits of meeting their clients face to face, wherever they are. Under the programme, registered companies stand a chance to, among others, earn On Business Points for all qualifying company travel on British Airways and selected code-share flights with Iberia and American Airlines.
“In addition, they can also earn these points irrespective of the country where the tickets are purchased and spend the points on British Airways flight upgrades and reward flights. There is no limit to the number of points that can be earned, and only two travellers required, and registration is free,” she explained.
“When you register your company, for every qualifying flight that you or your colleagues take, you garner points, irrespective of the cabin that they travel in. Once you have two or more colleagues travelling and when sufficient points have been earned, your company will be eligible to start spending points on valuable travel rewards,” she also said.
Earlier in his remarks, British Airways Commercial Manager West Africa, Kola Olayinka explained that On Business was conceptualized to allow SME owners and their companies make the most of their travel budget. He added that since it was created, On Business has helped companies meet face to face with their clients and suppliers, and has helped to save over £40 million on flights alone.
Olayinka also noted that British Airways has continually committed huge sums to improve its fleet of aircrafts, adding that one new aircraft is delivered to British Airways once every two weeks as part of the company’s commitment towards excellent service delivery to its customer. “We are always looking for new ways to make our customers happy and satisfied, and also give them value for money. We are aware of the importance of small and medium sized businesses in growing economies like Nigeria, and this is one of the reasons behind the On Business,” he stated.
