By Kenneth Ehigiator

LAGOS – British Airways is currently working on an alternative fuel testing programme as part of measures to stem the tide of rising  cost of aviation fuel.

According to the airline’s Country Commercial Manager, Nigeria, Mr Kola Olayinka, the test programme is being done in collaboration with aircraft engine manufacturer, Rolls-Royce.

He said British Airways planned to establish Europe’s first sustainable jet-fuel plant, which product would power its aircraft from 2014, adding that it was doing this with a US energy company.

Olayinka, who noted that one of the airline’s environmental strategies was to reduce net carbon by half, said it was currently investing in new aircraft that would produce 30 per cent less carbon emissions than its present fleet.
He said British Airways’ business plan for the next five years, 2011-2015, was the satisfaction of its millions of customers through outstanding service and insight.
According to him, the aim of the plan is to position British Airways as the world’s most admired airline in the markets it serves.

He said: “To achieve this, we’re putting the customer back at the heart of everything that we do, thereby re-igniting the passion and belief in British Airways.”

Part of the strategy, he disclosed, was to develop a warm, thoughtful and intuitive service style, and transform service using feedback obtained from customer satisfaction surveys. The airline, he said, also aims to be in the top five for premium products, and as such will continue to refine its Executive Club offering.