Bmi Regional is to offer discounts to business travellers in a bid to boost the UK’s export trade.
The airline is working with the Department for International Trade to support its ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign with deals for business travellers across its routes.
The campaign aims to inspire businesses to take advantage of the global demand for British goods and services.
The government wants to get more businesses exporting with a target of 100,000 additional exporters by 2020.
One barrier to exporting is the cost of travel and accessibility to new buyers overseas. The partnership with the airline aims to help bring the costs of travel down for businesses.
Bmi Regional will offer participating businesses a special discount on every route from the UK, excluding codeshares.
The airline’s move to support a business-led campaign follows a previous incentive to help small companies sell overseas known as Seats for Start Ups.
Last year’s promotion saw the airline offering new businesses the chance to win free international flights to enable them to grow their business and sell overseas.
Chief commercial officer Jochen Schnadt said: “Business travel is a key part of our strategy and helping businesses, large and small, to grow their export trade is fundamental to Bmi Regional’s strategy of enabling business.
“We are delighted to be part of this campaign which demonstrates the government’s and industry’s commitment to helping businesses grow and succeed. Our vision as a partner is to help businesses reach their goals and opportunities by providing a quality, efficient and cost effective transport service.”
He added: “Bmi Regional has deliberately focused on flying out of specific UK airports at regular and convenient times to make business travel, even returning in a day, a viable option for our clients.
“We also maintain an inclusive pricing strategy with all fares offering complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, 23kg hold luggage and allocated seating as standard. Furthermore, our speedy 30 minute check-ins are part of our efforts to create a convenient and seamless journey experience.”
International trade minister Mark Garnier said: “The global appetite for UK goods and services has never been greater. With strong demand out there, I’m delighted that the Department for International Trade will be partnering with Bmi to help UK companies seize the opportunities.
“We are determined to do all we can to equip UK companies with the guidance and support needed to help them take the next step in their exporting journey. Our new great.gov.uk digital hub and partnerships like this will deliver that journey.”
Statistics show that trade exports for the UK are growing but are far below UK import figures. In October 2016, HMRC reported £28.8 billion in overseas trade, while the figure for imports was £39.6 billion.