by Bernard Babb

MOVES BY BRITISH AIRWAYS to consolidate senior management positions and better manage operating costs will not negatively impact operations in Barbados.

That's the word from Diane Corrie, who has been appointed to the new post of commercial manager for British Airways operations in the entire Caribbean.

Corrie, a Jamaican and 21-year veteran in the airline industry, this month took over expanded responsibility for the region on retirement of Barbadian Elvin Sealy.

Sealy was previously commercial manager for the South Caribbean while Corrie managed the North Caribbean.

"There has been some reorganisation but this will not impact the Barbados operation . . . for a little while now, operations in St Lucia and Barbados have been under the responsibility of a single district manager," she said.

In recent months Barbadian Nigel Blackett had been appointed district manager, administering both operations in Barbados and St Lucia following the closure of the St Lucia office.

Similar dual responsibility also exists for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos operations.

Looking forward, Corrie told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY that the airline, a major carrier from tourist markets in Britain, intended to work even more closely with partners across the region – such as tourism agencies and travel agents.

She said the airline has also been working to improve customer service at all levels; from this week, persons wishing to travel from the Caribbean will be able to book seats and pay online with credit cards.

Corrie said on-line check-ins were being offered in an effort to reduce lengthy departure lines. British Airways currently flies to nine Caribbean destinations – Antigua, St Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Grenada and Tobago.