British Airways offers wings to Indian startups

British Airways, which is part of the €26-billion International Consolidated Airlines Group, has expressed plans to tap the growing segment of startups in India, predominantly in the IT hub of Bengaluru, for whom it plans to extend several of its packages and special programmes.

“There is huge growth in Bengaluru, owing to the amount of investments happening in Karnataka, especially in the IT/ITeS realm. We see growth in consumer and corporate travel, and subsequent increase in traffic may be expected,” British Airways Regional Commercial Manager (South Asia) Moran Birger said.

Drawing a correlation between the current scene of Bengaluru becoming a major startup launchpad, Birger said that travel becomes an integral part of a startup’s growth plans, and it is a good opportunity for the airline to get passengers from the startup segment aboard.

“We are watching the startup boom, and are keen on tapping it. Our ‘On Business’ company travel loyalty plan from small and medium businesses is ideally suited for startups in India. Passengers (from companies) who fly frequently may collect points, and redeem them on future flights. This plan aids startups, which need to keep a tab over their travel budget, which overtime, may be maximised. Also, they can make use of our premium economy class,” he added.