British Airways` formally opened a new business centre for frequent flyers at London`s Heathrow Airport today (January 9) offering the latest in computer technology.

Sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Ltd and managed by desktop services company Computacenter, the new centre at the Club Europe lounge in Terminal 1, enables British Airways Executive Club Silver and Gold members and Club Europe business passengers to maximise time while waiting for flights.

It is equipped with personal computers and modem connections for laptop computers, enabling users to send emails and receive documents and access valuable business information via the Internet. The facilities also include faxes, phones and printers, photocopying and scanning facilities.

Martin George, British Airways Director of Marketing said:” This centre will offer a real benefit to increasingly busy business customers whose time is precious. The ability to access information networks using the most advanced computer technology can make all the difference in successful business.”

The centre has been on trial since November and has already been voted a hit with passengers - some of whom check-in early for flights in order to use it!

John Golding, Chairman and Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard Ltd said:” We are delighted to be working with British Airways to offer the travelling experience of the future. HP offers a wealth of market-leading technology solutions and British Airways offers passengers the best in choice and service.”

Mike Norris, Chief Executive of Computacenter said:” The initial trials have shown that accessing the Internet and sending emails are the most popular services. Customers are also delighted that the service is free and supported by the expertise of Computercenter staff.”

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