EXCLUSIVE: British Airways appoints new employee discount scheme provider

British Airways has appointed Next Jump as provider of its employee discount scheme to give staff a wide range of offers. The new, Altitude Plus scheme launched in October 2011.

A previous voluntary benefits scheme had been in place for more than three years until 30 June 2011 and was provided by Asperity Employee Benefits.

Janine Sparks, reward manager at British Airways, said: “The contract [terminated] and we decided to have a look around. We have a larger participation in it then we had before. There are 18,922 employees signed up for it.”

This figure represents nearly 50% of the airline’s 38,000 staff. Two-thirds (65%) of these registered users return every month.

The scheme’s discounts change on a daily basis and it has limited-time offers to encourage employees to return to the site. It also has lots of offers on Fridays.

Sparks added: “On Friday there is such a buzz and excitement in the office about all the offers on that day. The benefits are then cascaded by word-of-mouth, which is probably the best way of communicating and getting employees to join up.”

The scheme switch was also communicated through emails to ensure the news reached British Airways’ 4,000 pilots and 14,000 cabin crew. Sparks added: “They are not in front of computers but they do pick up their emails.”

The scheme, which offers staff discounts on everyday expenses and high street retailers, is also available to members of the sports and leisure organisation BA Club, which includes 4,000 retired employees.

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