Performance guarantee built into new express product A MAJOR investment of GBP15-million (R194.7-m) has just been made by British Airways (BA) World Cargo in its new “Premia” facility at London’s Heathrow Airport. It's part of the R389.4-m invested over the past five years in preparing to launch the cargo operation’s two new premium products, which will be “a key offering” of the newly-named facility," says MD Gareth Kirkwood. “Prioritise” is BA World Cargo’s new express product, and will allow customers to send freight of any weight across the airline’s global network – with every consignment carrying a performance guarantee, which will mean that, if the freight fails to travel as booked, the customer will be entitled to a 50% refund of the freight charges. A new airmail product has also been introduced, which will enable BA World Cargo to re-enter the transfer mail market. According to information released to FTW, the big increase in capacity available from Premia will allow the specialist airmail product handling team to deliver “consistent processes” and to handle significantly higher airmail volumes while continuing to meet the necessary standards. A dedicated team for each of these products has also been put in place to ensure top service for premium customers, according to team leader, Charles Tugendhat, head of the global products team at BA World Cargo. “The launch of Premia and these products highlights our commitment to providing our customers with products that will improve their business,” Kirkwood added. “The perishables handling centre, opened in 1999, has been a great success story for us,” he said.
