If you believe they are just a pretty face, and then think again – they are knowledgeable, approachable, professional, well presented and discreet people. They are the British Airways’ Ambassadors. They walk the walk and talk the talk reflecting the British Airways style at all times.
British Airways’ Ambassadors team is part of the commercial department headed by Martin George, British Airways’ Commercial Director. They are a group of volunteers who represent BA, mainly in their own time. And now this region has got its own group of British Airways Ambassadors that reflect and represent the cultural diversity of British Airways as a company.
Commenting on the introduction of the Middle East North Africa and Central Asia (MENACA) British Airways Ambassadors, Terry Parry, Marketing Services Manager, MENACA said, “The introduction of the British Airways Ambassadors creates a team of business champions in each market with strong links to the centre. It increases our pool of mixed ethnic talent for commercial events, photo opportunities and marketing events.”
The British Airways Ambassadors are voluntary members of staff that work in various departments of the airline including catering, finance, marketing and cabin crew. The selection process is demanding and is based on various criteria such as motivation, business knowledge, and excellent customer service and communication skills.
“They are chosen from various professional backgrounds within British Airways and have beneficial insights within each department. They are passionate, dedicated British Airways personnel who are chosen from hundreds of applicants after thorough screening,” explained Parry.
The team is trained by British Airways’ specialists based in London and is regularly updated with the latest news about the carrier. This ensures that the ambassadors are kept abreast throughout the year and are able to perform their duties satisfactorily.
The Ambassadors receive comprehensive training and have experience and expertise within the following areas:
British Airways Brand
British Airways Product and Service
Government and Industry Affairs
Working with the Press
Executive Club
Competitive issues
BA Ambassadors need to commit to a total of 10 events per year in their own time and in addition to their permanent positions. However, their managers may give them time off to perform ambassadorial duties as the team support many BA departments and colleagues at a wide variety of corporate or press events.
BA Ambassadors are required to attend at least one refresher training course held at the British Airways head office, Waterside in London. The ambassadorial role also provides some fun and excitement when they attend photo shoots or filming for marketing collateral.
The introduction of regional British Airways’ Ambassadors ensures multicultural representation of the demographics of the carrier’s customers in all its visual communications.
The chic image of the British Airways’ Ambassadors gets a finishing touch by the newly tailored ‘Julien Macdonald’ classic pin stripped uniforms. The uniform is a signature of the carrier and its heritage of being proudly British.
“Having uniformed, professional staff adds great value while demonstrating strong brand presence at events and it encourages people to ask questions about the product. It is also an opportunity for us to involve our customers in the British Airways style and culture,” concluded Parry.
