The Nation Newspaper

Tag: British Airways

  • BA treats Abuja passengers to classic lounge

    Premium passengers of British Airways (BA)  flying from Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, will be treated to royal reception before departure courtesy of Strong ground Delivery Services Enterprise (SDS) Lounge Services,  which has provided a world-class lounge for BA passengers.

    Unveiled in Abuja, at a ceremony graced by major stakeholders, the newly set-up Lounge is a replica of one at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where BA premium passengers are the treated to assorted cuisine and pleasure.

    Speaking at the cake-cutting ceremony, BA Customer Service Duty Manager ( Abuja) Mr. Jide Oladoye said BA customers deserve royal treatment. “They deserve it, and today marks a turning point for our customers, particularly our premium customers. Definitely, our passengers are going to relate with this experience. For a while now, they have been wanting great experience in our lounge.

    This is just the beginning,  because by the time we moved to the new terminal,  I’m sure we are going to even do better than what we are having here today “,said Oladoye.

    Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN) Regional Manager, Mr. Mohammed Sanni said SDS Lounge is the best of its kind.

    “This is a well-furnished, equipped lounge.

    Read also: Abuja Disco promises uninterrupted power supply in Niger

    “We pray they move to the new terminal where you will see a more improved facility passengers can enjoy. We have always insisted we should improve our facilities time to time for the comfort of our passengers.

    ‘’With this development, I ’m not surprised it has keyed in into our plans,” the Airport Manager, observed.

    FAAN Chief Security Officer, Abuja International Airport, Mallam   Mohammed Tijani Yakassa lauded the initiative. He said: “It ’s a good innovation. I’m really impressed with the way they changed the pattern of the Lounge.   Initially, the lounge was not as large as we have it now. The way it’s transformed now is very interesting.

    ‘’They have done a good innovation job here. Initially, the lounge is for BA. I think there is a cooperation between BA and SDS. Probably, the SDS are going to manage it for British Airways.

    “The British Airways passengers will be using it. Most of the passengers will be surprised, including those that have been using it. By the time they come back they will be surprised with the changes that has taken place, “ he said. BA Global Lounge Manager Mr. Lukasz Wyrzykowski expressed satisfaction with the new lounge under the management of SDS.

    “In Nigeria, we have our lounge in Lagos at the international airport and in Abuja. I’m impressed with what I see here. The lounge is beautiful. We have been operating in Abuja for about 20 years.

    ‘’We operate a daily flight, we operate first class. Therefore, we have many customers who expect to have a lounge before they go on board of our aircraft. We are working with SDS. We refurbished it to a very high standard. We have got beautiful furniture. We improve our catering proposition so that customers can enjoy; have something to eat before they go on board the flight; they can have a drink, they can have some wine, coffee and they have a selection of foods.

    “We have a real working partnership with the SDS in Abuja.

    ‘’They helped us to developed the lounge. I have seen the two terminals and  I’m happy they are looking great.

    ‘’At some point we will move to the new terminal and this will be massive improvement for our customers,“ Lukasz said.

  • On British Airways, entertainment begins with safety

    My friend, Justin Akpovi-Esade, formerly of The Guardian, usually reminds me of flight fright. We had travelled a few times aboard the same flights in the course of our job, and despite his seeming bravery in other aspects of life, his visible display of fear was usually more pronounced during airborne turbulence. He would curse silently, snub refreshments, and hiss regrettably while holding firmly to the seat in front.

    As a rather witty person, the journey usually started with some giggles during routine safety announcement. He would rebuke, with a serious gag, each time it got to the aspect of how to use the life vest in case of emergency landing on water… , saying: “May it never come to that.”

    When recently, I took a flight of British Airways to Canada, for the just concluded edition of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), I found enthralling, the new pre-flight safety announcement video, such that I thought of Justin, and how the subtle, hilarious, and dramatic video could have helped to relax his nerves, offering an entirely new and refreshing pre-flight experience.

    This British Airways’ second safety video, featuring comedian Chabuddy G and Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Sir Michael Caine, Naomie Harris (Skyfall), model Jourdan Dunn, David Walliams (Little Britain), Olivia Colman, and Asim Chaudhry is a prelude to the airline’s slate of more than 130 movies (Nollywood inclusive), 650 TV shows from around the world and some 550 audio albums and 225 radio shows and games on personal 10.4 inches flat screen and noise-cancelling headphones in its in-flight entertainment systems.

    The new on-board video which shows how the celebs navigate the indignities of dealing with Chabuddy G, played by Asim Chaudhry also serves to promote BA’s “Flying Start” charity partnership with Comic Relief. It is a sequel to last year’s hilarious star-studded release, which featured Gordon Ramsay, Rowan Atkinson, Thandie Newton and Sir Ian McKellen.

    Added to its feat, the video has won a Bronze Film Lion for Screens & Events at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

    The first by BA to use celebrities, the video replaces the animated film which has run for 12 years with a sequel that is arguably more hilarious.

    There is no gainsaying that apart from catching up with blockbusters I had missed in the cinemas, BA’s offering of latest box office films, the comfort of its Business Class cabin, otherwise called Club World aided my scripting flow. No doubt, brainwave is better activated after a restful moment that the in-flight bed offers. The indulgence of the journey was quite diverse; so much for the innovation of the airline.

    This did not come as a surprise, knowing the airlines has invested millions in giving customers a better experience in recent years, and Club World passengers can now turn their flight time into ‘me time’ as they enjoy personalized services with new luxury bedding, a spa kit full of little luxuries and enhanced food and drinks from menus inspired by some of the world’s top chefs among others. About two weeks now, and the experiences are still fresh.

    With personalized services which include a spacious seat (convertible into a fully flat bed), delicious food and drink options, access to private lounges and luxurious spa treatments among other benefits, I was pampered from Lagos to London, London and Toronto – from start to finish – Outbands and Inbounds.

  • BA offers Business Class luxury

    British Airways said it is offering Nigerians combined premium levels of comfort and service in its Club World. Nigerian travellers, whether for business or pleasure, there would be a Club World seat with customer’s name on it.

    The  airline said it has invested millions in giving customers  better experience in recent years, and Club World passengers can now turn their flight time into me time as they enjoy personalized services with new luxury bedding, a spa kit full of little luxuries and enhanced food and drinks from menus inspired by some of the world’s top chefs, among others.

    Club world passengers in Nigeria can take advantage of the current promotional introduced by BA to experience the true definition of Business Class on long haul flights.

    Kola Olayinka, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, speaking about British Airways Club World, said that, “Business Class Passengers would enjoy the discounted travel cost for a travel period of 10th September to 30th November, 2018.”

    He also said that, “British Airways has really focused on attention to detail with the new Club World delivering personalized services such as a spacious seat which converts into a fully flat bed, delicious food and drink options using fresh local ingredients, access to private lounges and luxurious spa treatments among others benefits.

    British Airways rolled out Club World improvements that ensure enjoyable better night’s sleep with stylish new luxurious bedding and amenity kit designed by The White Company, a renowned British luxury lifestyle brand.  While on board, Club World introduces passengers to a whole world of entertainment with hundreds of the latest films (from Nollywood too), documentary, television, music, audio books, games that come alive on personal 10.4 inches flat screen and noise-cancelling headphones.

    BA said it has committed a huge investment to the new Club World, and this includes investment in the people delivering it.

    According to the airline, “All the cabin crew have been given two days of training, which means they are fully aware of what Club World passengers expect. In addition to the product and service improvements in Club World, all customers can also look forward to the latest generation Wi-Fi across British Airways long-haul and short-haul fleets over the next two years.

  • British Airways apologises after 380,000 customers hit in cyber attack

    British Airways (BA) was forced to apologise on Friday after the credit card details of hundreds of thousands of its customers were stolen over a two-week period in the worst ever attack on its website and app.

    BA Chairman and Chief Executive Alex Cruz said in London the airline discovered on Sept. 5 that bookings made between Aug. 21 and Sept. 5 had been infiltrated in a “very sophisticated, malicious criminal” attack.

    Cruz said the airline immediately contacted customers when the extent of the breach became clear.

    He said around 380,000 card payments were compromised, with hackers obtaining names, street and email addresses, credit card numbers, expiry dates and security codes – sufficient information to steal from accounts.

    The attack came 15 months after the carrier suffered a massive computer system failure at London’s Heathrow airport, which stranded 75,000 customers over a holiday weekend.

    Shares in BA’s parent, International Airlines Group, fell 3 per cent in early deals on Friday due to the attack.

    Cruz said the carrier was “deeply sorry” for the disruption caused by the sophisticated crime, which was unprecedented in the more than 20 years that BA had operated online.

    He said the attackers had not broken the airline’s encryption but did not explain exactly how they had obtained the customer information.

    “There were other methods, very sophisticated efforts, by criminals in obtaining the data,” he said.

    “It was having access to our systems in an illicit way, it was very sophisticated.”

    Cruz said the British Airways informed customers affected by the attack on Thursday and advised them to contact their bank or credit card provider and follow their recommended advice.

    It also took out ads in national newspapers on Friday.

    Cruz said anyone who lost out financially would be compensated by the airline.

    The airline had launched an investigation and notified police and other relevant authorities.

  • British Airways rolls out baggage allowance for Nigerians

    Deciding where to travel to for that long-anticipated summer holiday can feel daunting. In considering destinations and the right time to go, it is also important to get your baggage arrangements right. British Airways offers first-rate baggage allowances that are ideal for the summer vacation.

    First Class customers will be able to travel with three pieces of luggage of 32kgs each, Club World customers will be able to travel with two pieces of luggage of 32kgs each, while BA World Traveller customers are entitled to two pieces of luggage of 23kg each.

    British Airways Commercial Manager for West Africa, Kola Olayinka, says, “The amount of checked baggage each passenger is allowed depends on the selected class of travel. Passengers need to be familiar with the right baggage essentials in order to be adequately prepared when travelling this summer.

    “Summer is a great opportunity for family travels, as most schools will be closed. It is also a great time to bring gifts back for friends, families and colleagues. I am delighted that our customers will have a good opportunity to do that this summer,” Olayinka concluded.

    British Airways’ extra baggage procedure also allows each customer to check up to 10 pieces of luggage per flight on payment of excess baggage charges on the extras. This includes the customers’ original baggage allowed on each flight.

  • British Airways ‘partner for Life’ promo takes flight

    British Airways, international flag carrier for the United Kingdom have successfully introduced their “Partner-for-Life” Promo here in Nigeria. The promotion intends to connect and reward British Airways esteemed loyal customers who have been flying the Airline consistently.

    To participate, British Airways customers can join the conversations online with the hashtag, #PartnerForLife; sharing stories about the destinations they have explored around the world using British Airways. Stories will be shared online on social media platforms and the most remarkable story will be rewarded with a BA return ticket to London.

    “British Airways has been in the business of air travel in Nigeria for more than 80 years and we have consistently created destination experiences for our loyal customers. The “Partner-for-Life” promo is our move to show our appreciation to our customers and to obtain the outstanding stories that have been shared with British Airways over the years”, said Kola Olayinka, British Airways Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa.”

    A vast population of Nigerians are typically accustomed to travelling abroad to either explore new destinations, do business, observe their holiday or even live there. There is also the other population of Nigerians who are aspirational travellers. Either way, travelling is an experience that creates memorable stories and trust Nigerians to always tell their stories.

    British Airways is reiterating their commitment to their valued customers with the Partner-for-Life” promo that intends to also point out the amazing travel destinations that Nigerians explore.

     

  • British Airways invests multimillion pounds on new cabin facilities

    British Airways has announced a multimillion pound investment in its World Traveller (long-haul economy cabin) catering, introducing an exciting and expanded new menu, which provides more quantity and quality to both meals and great snacking options throughout the flight.

    Previously, customers travelling in the cabin were served a complimentary snack, a three-course-meal or a light meal, depending on the time and length of their flight as well as a complimentary bar service of hot and cold drinks.

    The new catering arrived two weeks ago, and the menu is billed to change every six months.

    Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “Our customers tell us that when they are taking a long-haul flight, great food and beverages make a real difference to them. It is a huge driver of customer satisfaction so we want to make sure we deliver a great experience. With this multi-million pound investment we have focused on introducing more quantity and quality to the catering, delivering tasty meals and great snacking options throughout the flight.

    “Our new four-course main meal has been developed by our team of chefs to be full of flavour at 35,000ft and we have created regional options depending on the route. The second meal option is either a tasty sandwich or a more substantial pizza wrap, both served with additional snacks, depending on the length of the flight.”

    The airline’s customers will be welcomed with pretzels and a drink. Once they are settled in, they will be served a four-course meal such as a starter of couscous salad, followed by a main course of chicken casserole with an ale sauce, colcannon mash and seasonal vegetables, or a vegetarian tomato, farfalle and vegetable dish. Dessert will be a Pots & Co salted caramel and chocolate mousse, followed by biscuits and cheese. The meal will be accompanied by a bread roll and a bottle of Highland Spring water.

    On the shorter daylight long-haul flights to destinations such as New York and Dubai, fliers will also receive a sandwich such as egg and cress with a chocolate or Nutri-Grain bar. Those on longer daylight flights to destinations such as Cape Town and Hong Kong will receive a hot meal, such as a pizza wrap or a regional option, with a pot of pasta, a chocolate brownie and a drink as well as a smokehouse BBQ crunch Graze movie-snack box. A hot English breakfast will also be served on these longer flights that operate overnight.

    Customers on daylight flights from London will be offered a range of Magnum ice-creams, while those on night flights will be offered a tuck-box with options such as Dairy Milk Buttons, Twix, Kit-Kats and Mini Cheddars, which will also be available in the galley for them to help themselves to.

    British Airways is investing £4.5 billion for customers over the next five years, covering the installation of the best quality WiFi and power in every seat, fitting 128 long-haul aircraft with new interiors and taking delivery of 72 new aircraft. The airline is also investing £600m specifically in Club World, including outstanding catering and luxurious White Company bedding – plus, from 2019, a new seat with direct aisle access. This year British Airways will start services to six new routes including Nashville and The Seychelles.

  • British Airways sacks anti-Nigerian ranting hostess

    British Airways has sacked the hostess who recorded a racist video in which she was seen ranting and insulting Nigerian passengers, MailOnline reported.

    23-years-old Joanne Wickenden sparked outrage after she recorded the racist clip in her British Airways uniform before flying from London Heathrow to Abuja on Friday night.

    After a two-hour meeting with bosses on Tuesday, MailOnline said she claims that the video which she uploaded via her Snapchat was ‘just a joke’, adding that she was set up by a British Airways colleague who recorded her and shared the clip.

    In a statement on Tuesday, revealed by MailOnline, British Airways said, Wickenden no longer works with the airline as their staff are expected to be of utmost professionalism when representing the airline.

    “She no longer works for British Airways. We expect the utmost professionalism from our staff when they are representing British Airways.”

    MailOnline reported that 23-year-old Wickenden, who wants to be an actress, told her friends that she is not a racist.

    “I am not a racist,” she said, claiming that the video was just “a joke.”

    She told MailOnline that, I have been framed by another British Airline employee. They were encouraging me, egging me on to say things. They were recording me and sent it around to our friends, she said I don’t want to fly anymore.

    A friend said that the other colleague wanted her to impersonate what goes on the flight.

    A source told MailOnline that the video, which was captioned ‘I can’t cope with this flight’ – was circulated among ‘horrified’ British Airways cabin crew who are ‘very concerned’

  • British Airways suffers IT outage, cancels flights

    British Airways suffers IT outage, cancels flights

    Lagos, Abuja affected

    BRITISH Airways yesterday cancelled some of its flights around the world due to global IT failure.

    The Lagos – London and Abuja – London flights as well as those from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports were affected leading to severe disruption for travellers.

    The airline said it suffered a “major IT systems failure” and apologized to its passengers.

    However, the cancellation was announced after the BA plane plying the Abuja route had departed.

    BA said terminals at Heathrow and Gatwick became extremely congested and it was cancelling all flights from the airports. It urged passengers not to go to the airports.

    Earlier, passengers at Heathrow reported long lines at check-in counters and flight delays.

    Passengers at Heathrow Airport reported long lines at check-in counters and flight delays. One posted a picture on Twitter of BA staff writing gate numbers on a white board.

    “We’ve tried all of the self-check-in machines. None were working, apart from one,” said Terry Page, booked on a flight to Texas. “There was a huge queue for it and it later transpired that it didn’t actually work, but you didn’t discover that until you got to the front.”

    The problem came on a holiday weekend, when thousands of Britons were travelling.

    British Airways Country Manager, Kola Olayinka confirmed the development.

    The airline was busy all day yesterday in Nigeria trying to reach its customers already booked to inform them of the development.

    Travellers at British airports flooded the company’s Twitter account with complaints of flights grounded, unavailable online services and huge queues.

    The computer glitch, which also took out the BA website for two hours, came after a similar outage last September.

    Delays were reported in Rome, Prague, Milan, Stockholm and Malaga.

  • Formula 1 ace Button takes aeronautic training

    Formula 1 ace Button takes aeronautic training

    British Airways (BA) last week gave Formula 1 ace, Jenson Button, a chance to test-drive one of its Airbus A380 flight simulators as part of the training to prepare him as a pilot.

    This is contained in a statement released by BA through the Quadrant MSLGROUP, the Public Relations outfit that handles its media affairs.

    “Button enjoyed racing through the skies this week after piloting a British Airways A380 flight simulator at London’s Heathrow Airport.

    “The former World Champion, who recently announced his retirement from the track,  spent 90-minutes perfecting take-off, cruise and landing of the world’s largest commercial aircraft,” it said.

     

    Courtesy: wtf1.co.uk
    Courtesy: wtf1.co.uk

     

    It said that the simulator at the British Airways’ state-of-the-art Flight Training Centre near London’s Heathrow Airport was where the airline’s 4,200 professional pilots were trained.

    The centre uses cutting-edge motion, audio and graphics technology to deliver a completely immersive experience, it said.

    It added that Button was coached on the flight deck by British Airways’ Head of Technical and Training, Capt. Dave Thomas and Senior First Officer; William Swinburn, for his first ever simulator experience.

    “The 37-year-old made three landings into Hong Kong International Airport in total and was thrilled to take control of the iconic double-decker four-engine aircraft.

    “The aircraft forms the centrepiece of British Airways’ fleet along with the Boeing 787 Dreamliners,” it said.

    Button was quoted as describing the flight as being so cool.

    He had flown all over the world but this was the first time he would experience what it was like to be at the controls, it said.

    “It was a pretty incredible feeling. It is like you are in a real aircraft and after a while, you forget it is not the real thing.

    “I think I did pretty well for a first-timer though if there had been passengers in the back we might have had a few complaints about my first landing.

    “Let’s just say it was a bit bumpy,” it said.

    It also quoted Capt. Thomas as being impressed by Button’s handling of the aircraft.

    Button had experienced travelling at high speeds and he adapted well to taking control of the A380, it said.

    “Being a pilot is all about calmness under pressure, preparing properly and getting from A to B with safety being the foremost priority at all times.

    “So I think coming from a Formula 1 background, Button definitely has some of the attributes required of a pilot,” the statement quoted Thomas as saying.