More benefits for small businesses

Small to medium sized businesses will be rewarded even more when they fly on business with British Airways. The airline is rolling out its new corporate rewards programme - called On Business - following a successful nine month trial period and has incorporated some new benefits for travellers

Every time an employee of the company books an eligible fare with British Airways, the company will earn points, which can be exchanged for a range of business travel rewards. These include free flights, chauffeur drives to or from a selection of UK airports, Heathrow or Gatwick Express tickets and hotel vouchers.

For example: five Club Europe returns to Milan will earn a free Euro Traveller flight to Frankfurt; five full fare Euro Traveller return flights to Stockholm will earn a £100 Marriott cheque and three Club Europe returns to Madrid will earn a free book of ten Heathrow Express tickets.

The new scheme is now even better for regional members as for the first time they can redeem as well as earn points when they travel on a franchise carriers such as Brymon Airways, Maersk UK, CityFlyer and British Regional Airlines.

The airline has introduced a new bonus system. Once the company’s points balance reach three key levels, the company will be awarded bonus points, equivalent to a return economy flight to Johannesburg, Los Angeles or a World Traveller Plus flight to Hong Kong respectively.

Any On Business member who books an Avis car will get a discount and an automatic car upgrade if available.

Tiffany Hall, British Airways Head of UK & Ireland Sales said: "The success of the trial of On Business has meant that we can start to develop a closer working relationship with small to medium sized businesses, who represent one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy.

"We are delighted to be able to offer them a wider range of tangible benefits when they book British Airways."

Three thousand companies have already signed up for the scheme - the majority in conjunction with their travel agents. On Business is available to any company which does not already have a commercial deal with the airline.