BA clears staff member over accusations of wrong-doing

British Airways’ has cleared a member of its marketing, communications and information department of any wrong-doing, following anonymous accusations of malpractice (MW June 26).

The airline received complaints from an outside source concerning a member of its staff. The complaint is understood to have come from one of the marketing department’s external suppliers and concerned the way in which BA awarded contracts.

“At the end of last year an independent tendering process was carried out by BA’s purchasing depart- ment and a number of suppliers were considered. As a result, one company was chosen and awarded a contract because it provided the best product against our criteria for quality, reliability and financial integrity,” says BA.

“An allegation has subsequently been made which questions the integrity of a member of BA. An exhaustive audit has been carried out examining the process which led to the contract. We have found no evidence to support any allegations.”

BA’s annual marketing budget runs into tens of millions of pounds. The airline spends about 60m a year alone on above-the-line advertising through M&C Saatchi.