Airline calls for aid from major companies
British Airways has launched a multi-million pound package to help small and medium sized (SMEs) UK companies.
The airline is offering 5,000 return flights from the UK, worth up to £15m, to help SMEs win business abroad.
The flights are part of a package the airline is launching with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and BritishAmerican Business (BAB).
Other measures are due to be announced in the next six months.
The carrier has also called on other, larger UK companies to provide products, services and expertise to help SMEs.
BA's ceo Willie Walsh said: "Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the British economy and they are hurting badly.
"120 of them close every week. We are working with UKTI and BAB to give flights that will support British business as it tries to spearhead the UK's recovery.
"We live in a globalised economy so business opportunities don't always live on your doorstep. This initiative gives small businesses the chance to promote and sell their products overseas."
"We'd love to see other British businesses pulling together in order to help the UK out of the recession."
Lord Davies of Abersoch, the UK minister for trade and investment, said: "Small and medium-sized enterprises can find it hard to break into new markets on their own. It is critical we support them and UKTI's partnership with British Airways will help our customers to look to new horizons."
www.ba.com www.ukan.uktradeinvest.gov.uk