British Airways announced yesterday afternoon that it would be transferring all Australian calls to the airline’s wholly owned subsidiary in Delhi.

The transfer of these calls to CallBA will allow for a greater consolidation of resources and expertise that a specialised call centre can offer. This is a result of several introduction and upgrading initiatives in the past few months that would mark some significant changes in the way that British Airways services would be provided.

British Airways customers will now be able to book, choose their seat allocation, check-in and print boarding passes online. This, along with the up-to-date information on flight services mean that British Airways customers will be treated to the most efficient, state-of-the-art services.

There is also a new online and trade initiative that will enable the airline to communicate directly with agents in real time. SpeedbirdClub.com will have the latest deals, travel information and access to pressing answers to agents’ specific questions.

While these new initiatives will be providing better and more efficient services for British Airways passengers, some Australian airline staff will be affected. The airline makes it clear that they are “committed to Australia as it remains an important market for the airline both strategically and commercially.”

They will also be offering support for those employees who will be affected by these changes and will seek to “find suitable alternative employment either within British Airways or externally and are working with an outplacement specialist.”

These changes will be taking effect from February 2007.