17 minute read
AVIATION
A BETTER WORLD BY BRITISH AIRWAYS
British Airways’ commitment to a better and sustainable future
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WORDS CARRIE HARRIS Just over a year ago, we launched the BA Better World programme as part of our continued commitment to putting sustainability at the heart of our business. It marked an important journey to build a better, more sustainable future. Over a year later, it’s great to look back on some of the progress made. Since launching the programme, we’re embedding the three key pillars of BA Better World – people, planet and responsible business across all parts of the airline to help us in delivering goals. British Airways works hard to ensure that they are a diverse and inclusive company by creating a workplace which contributes to a sense of well-being and belonging, enabling colleagues to thrive. is philosophy is embraced by the group’s leaders, championed by the employee network groups and supported by their relationships with external partners. ey have recently established a successful reverse mentoring programme, with senior leaders being mentored by a colleague from a diverse background to talk about their experiences within the business, their career development and organisational culture to ensure more innovation, creativity and success. British Airways has also launched well-being roadshows and a new network of mental health rst aiders to support colleagues and their families if they need it. e focus is to take urgent action to tackle climate impacts. Now, more than ever, we need to take greater action to tackle the impact that ying has on our planet. We know that we need to do all we can to tackle climate change now because there is no greater priority. British Airways has a track record of leadership and three years ago, as part of the parent company International Airlines Group, we committed to achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
While there is no single solution to this challenge, there is a clear roadmap of short, medium and long-term initiatives to get there. In the short-term this includes improving operational e ciency, investing in more e cient aircra , funding carbon o set projects to mitigate emissions on UK domestic ights and progressively introducing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), while in the medium to longer term we’re continuing to invest in the development and
scale-up of sustainable aviation fuel and looking at how we can help accelerate the growth of new technologies such as zero emissions hydrogen-powered aircra and carbon capture technology.
In April British Airways took in the rstever supply of UK-produced sustainable aviation fuel (made from waste cooking oil). It’s now routinely delivered into Heathrow operations, so all BA ights leaving Heathrow now y using a small proportion of SAF, and the group is working on scaling up the development of SAF through several partnerships.
British Airways continues to empower customers by giving them the option to make sustainable choices when ying. Now, if customers wish to reduce their own carbon footprint further, in addition to the existing option for customers to o set their emissions, they can purchase sustainable aviation fuel in combination with high-quality veri ed carbon o sets. is can be purchased online before or a er their journey, or via our onboard wi portal directly from their seat. is can all be done on our new and upgraded online platform, called Co2llaborate, accessible for both individual and corporate customers, in partnership with climate tech company CHOOOSE, further helping passengers understand, calculate and address their travel emissions. Co2llaborate features more precise emissions calculations and a new adjustable slider to give customers more control over the amount of SAF versus veri ed carbon o sets they wish to purchase.
Last but not least British Airways is committed to actively supporting communities around the world and engaging customers in its sustainability programme. For more than 30 years we have supported our colleagues and customers in charitable giving in the communities we serve around the world. In March 2022 the newly launched BA Better World Community Fund to support projects across the UK, delivered more than £760,000 of funding to over 30 charities and these non-pro t organisations are delivering positive changes across social inclusion, environmental protection and climate action and through access to education and employment.
In times of crisis, British Airways works
with partners including the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and the British Red Cross, to ensure that vital relief gets to where it’s needed as quickly as possible, helping to save lives and rebuild communities. Most recently we have sent aid for emergency responses in Ukraine, Pakistan and India. In May 2021 we sent 27 tonnes of medical aid to Delhi to support communities facing rising Coronavirus cases.
Positioning sustainability at the heart of our company to deliver transformational change is a huge challenge, but it’s also a privilege. Over the last year, I’ve been able to share our vision for BA Better World and it’s been inspiring to receive such a positive response from colleagues and customers from all over the world. We’re excited to bring together our people, our customers and our partners as we continue to develop our sustainability strategy and deliver what we believe will be our greatest achievement. BTI
THE AIRPORT
LOOK WORDS GAYATRI THAKKAR
Choosing the ideal travel bag to enhance travel experiences.
Travelling accoutrements have been an integral part of every traveller’s checklist, right from the portmanteau to the suitcase. One of the most daunting aspects of business or leisure trips is carrying the right luggage that is cra ed to accommodate a traveller’s needs to alleviate some of that pressure. Choosing thoughtfully designed and cra ed baggage ensures endurance on multiple journeys. A er all, baggage is the most trusted companion on any trip or adventure and choosing the right one is essential to make the experience seamless. Keeping this in mind, Business Traveller India has curated a list of stylish luggage brands and models that are catered to meet the needs of every kind of traveller.
AWAY CARRY-ON
Sturdy and lightweight, Away’s carry-on suitcase is carefully designed to snugly t in the overhead storage of most ights. Its durable polycarbonate hardshell casing is made to withstand external stress, while the leather detailing adds a touch of style. e interior of the suitcase consists of a compression system, a waterproof laundry bag, and 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth transportation. With a capacity of 39.8 litres, the suitcase can hold about 5-7 out ts. Away’s Carry-On blends functionality with sophistication.
awaytravel.com
BRIC’S BELLAGIO V2.0 32” SPINNER TRUNK
Bric’s Bellagio V2.0 32” Spinner Trunk is an elegantly cra ed vintage-style travel suitcase with Hinomoto enlarged wheels and an ergonomic adjustable handle. e trunk features a water-repellent zip and TSA-approved locks. is visually-appealing piece has a matching interior with a fashionable herringbone patterned divider. e full-grain leather trim and detailing gives the suitcase a sophisticated design. At 127 litres, this suitcase is ideal for longer trips and is available in the colours- cream, olive, black, and blue. bricstore.com
DELSEY CHATELET AIR 2.0
Delsey’s Chatelet Air 2.0 is a durable luggage that refuses to compromise on elegance. e design is reminiscent of a traditional Parisian architectural style, giving it a vintage aesthetic and still bears a contemporary, chic style. With reinforced corners, TSA combination locks, and the ultimate Securitech 2 zip, the suitcase is secure from all kinds of shocks. e Chatelet Air 2.0 features four, silent, doublewheels for easy manoeuvring. is elegant suitcase comes in brown, angora, blue, and pink.
int.delsey.com
BRIGGS & RILEY GLOBAL CARRYON SPINNER
e Briggs & Riley Global Carry-On Spinner is a masterfully cra ed suitcase that utilises CX technology and has a wide body, and at 37-49 litres, it is ideal for international travel. e sturdy ballistic nylon fabric of the bag ensures that the suitcase is immune to wear and tear. It is designed with a contemporary and minimalistic approach, with just the right amount of pockets and zippers inside the lining for ease and e ciency of storage. is durable piece of luggage comes in three sleek shades: navy, black, and olive.
briggs-riley.co.uk
GLOBE-TROTTER SAFARI CARRY-ON
is elegant carry-on suitcase is handmade and has a volume of 34 litres that is suitable for storing up to four out ts on a business trip. e Safari collection imbibes the 1920s era of exploration with the signature trunkstyle design in ivory and co ee brown, accentuated with natural leather trim. e patented vulcanised breboard body can withstand external shocks and is designed to t into the overhead baggage compartment of most airlines. e carryon bag is available with either two or four wheels and has an extendable handle for easy manoeuvring. globe-trotter.com
GOYARD SATOLAS GM ROLLING SUITCASE
Made in France, the Satolas GM Rolling Suitcase is a fashionably designed luggage piece that doesn’t compromise functionality. e large-volume suitcase that has two shock-proof polycarbonate shells and four 360-degree wheels is an ideal accompaniment for a long stay. With Goyardine canvas and Clamecy cowhide leather handles, thermoformed leather corners, and a Palladium nish, this suitcase exudes style and is available in an elegant black, or a stylish light brown.
goyard.com
HARTMANN TWEED LEGEND CARRY-ON SPINNER
e Hartmann Tweed Legend collection o ers a sophisticated design with contemporary elements in its under-seat carry-on spinner bag. e spectacularly tailored tweed travel bag with leather trims is a sturdy and stain-resistant choice. e luggage’s heritage cra smanship shines through the bag’s delicately embossed inner lining, leather handles and signature Hartmann crest. e interiors of the travel bag thoughtfully include pockets in convenient places to carefully store your items. With a padded section to protect electronic devices and a USB port and zipper battery pocket for on-the-go charging, this compact travel bag is ideal for a short business trip. shop.hartmann.com
LOUIS VUITTON HORIZON 55
e Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 carry-on luggage has a stylishly designed hard case with four double compact wheels. e signature monogram-coated canvas exterior with a matte-black alligator leather trim, aluminium- nish hardware and leather corners gives the suitcase a sleek look. e interiors have a mesh lining and a at base with a convenient divider with a pocket for e cient packing. e elegant 37-litre cabin bag ts snugly in the overhead compartment of most airlines. eu.louisvuitton.com
MULBERRY MEDIUM CLIPPER
Mulberry’s scotch grain luggage features a tastefully textured surface lined with leather trim. is medium-sized travel bag has two short canvas handles and a detachable shoulder strap, making it perfect for an overnight or weekend trip. Metal feet at the base of the bag help secure the luggage, and an eco-cotton-lined interior has a singular zip pocket to store smaller items. e scotch grain made from bioplastic materials and at calf comes in a variety of shades and designs, such as black and cognac, green, mole and cognac, green leopard print and yellow. mulberry.com
RIMOWA ESSENTIAL CABIN S
Pioneered in Germany, e Rimowa Essential Cabin S is a magni cent and multi-functional polycarbonate suitcase with a trademarked multi-wheel system that utilises cushioned axles, and TSA-approved locks. e luggage’s height-adjustable ex divider ensures all packed items are kept in order. With a volume of 34 litres, this suitcase is the perfect balance between spacious and compact and can be used for overnight to two-day trips. It comes in an elegant matte black nish and a white and green gloss nish. rimowa.com
SAMSONITE BLACK LABEL FANTHOM SPINNER
is brushed semi-gloss patterned suitcase has a hard shell and aluminium trims for ultimate durability. e new Aero Trac II wheels combine the suspension system with ballbearing wheels to create a satisfyingly smooth movement. With a volume of 79 litres, an expandable feature, a dedicated garment bag, and a detachable suit compartment with a hanger, this piece is perfect for business travellers. is hardy travel suitcase comes in a sleek semi-gloss black, exuding discerning professionalism. samsonite.com
is sophisticated carry-on suitcase is USB port enabled and provides a tip-resistant expansion up to 2 inches. e plush interiors have a tie-down system and pockets of di erent sizes to aid in packing. A removable TSA-compliant wet pocket that is perfect for storing toiletries can be found inside the bag. An additional fold-out suiter helps in protecting hanging clothes. With a volume of 46 litres, the Platinum Elite carry-on spinner is suitable for medium-length trips and comes in a range of colours like intrigue black, coastal blue, bordeaux, rich espresso, and vintage grey.
travelpro.com
TUMI VOYAGEUR LEGER INTERNATIONAL
e Tumi Voyageur Leger International carry-on travel bag is a so case trolley bag that exudes nesse. A three-stage telescopic handle for easy manoeuvring and a split case zip provides convenient access to the main compartment. With a builtin USB port, zipper for the USB cable, spacious interiors with plenty of pockets, and interior compression straps to keep all packed items safe. is stylish travel luggage is built for optimum comfort and convenience. tumi.com
VICTORINOX SPECTRA 3.0 EXPANDABLE GLOBAL CARRY-ON
e Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Expandable Global Carry-On is a modern, environmentally-conscious hardshell suitcase, created with highly durable recycled polycarbonate called sorplas. e suitcase has a quick-access lockable front compartment and is expandable up to 20 per cent. A dualtube telescopic handle and a four-wheel dual spinner make it a breeze to manoeuvre the suitcase. e 39-litre capacity can be increased to 47 litres. is stylish suitcase comes in an elegant black colour. victorinox.com BTI
A toast to Australia
Exploring winemaking in the land down under
WORDS NIKHIL AGARWAL
The rst thing that comes to mind when you think of Australia in terms of wine, is the sheer size of the country. From East to West, one could t in most of Europe including the United Kingdom in it. With this size, you also get multiple di erent climates, soils and grape varieties that thrive in di erent regions across the country. I have been lucky enough to visit most of them through a scholarship received from Wine Australia many years ago and then a few times a er to cover major wine festivals.
Australia makes wine from a staggering number of grape varietals, with each region undergoing a trial and error process before reaching a level of perfection and excelling in what they do best. Australian wine is nothing but smart wine in a bottle which is presented in a refreshing and welcoming way. Due to an excess of diversity, there is no particular style you would prefer that they cannot give you an option for. Now while some grape varieties are famous globally, in Australia they also experiment with grape varieties like Sangiovese, Nebiolo and many more that you don’t see outside Italy. e Australians’ commitment to producing quality wine is something I truly admire.
To give you a sense of quality, their ne dining scene is perhaps one of the best in the world, now globally gaining recognition because of shows like Masterchef Australia, with great food comes great responsibility to pair it with the correct wine. In India what we see is not even a glimpse of what Australia has to o er but that seems to be changing now slowly.
Australia’s historical winemakers started making wine and brought vine cuttings from France and Spain, over two hundred years ago, making forti ed wine at the start. is was the style of wine consumed in Australia and even today, there are some spectacular examples of forti ed wine from there. ey kept improving and experimenting and now make still wines, sparkling wines and stickies (dessert wines). Australia has come a long way and is a big exporter of wine, making wines of the highest quality that compete with the very best and also friendly everyday wines that are easy to understand, making them hugely popular.
Now this is an expansive land mass and travelling from one side to the other takes a lot of time even by air. at
to me is the charm since each region is quite unique in its own way. ere are many regions to visit than I have detailed, but these are the regions you must visit and try the wines from there. e region of Margaret River, in the extreme west of Australia, is the most cut-o wine region from the rest of the world and the rest of the country. It is the youngest wine-growing region in Australia. Fly to Perth and drive about three to four hours to get here. e quality of winemaking here is staggering with sheer beauty to match. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are at the forefront but there are other great wines made here too. e town with the same name has some cool microbreweries and wine bars and is a charming place to spend a few days. is is my favourite region of them all. Isolated, beautiful, great wines, astonishing food, the endless sea and also the only place in the world where I have seen the moon rise from the sea.
From here we go eastwards to South Australia which is further broken into several regions that are perhaps the most commonly associated with Australian wine. In the Barossa Valley, you have the country’s nest Shiraz which is big and fruit-forward, made from very old vines, perhaps some of the oldest in the world. Barossa Valley is less than an hour away from Adelaide, which is the home base for the region. While Shiraz is the go-to variety, they make plenty of really great GSM – Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèadre blends. South of Adelaide is McLaren Vale, another region that makes exceptional Shiraz as well. e cooler regions of Clare and Eden Valley close to Barossa are where you will nd world-class and breathtaking Riesling. Further south of Adelaide you have Coonawarra, which I personally love for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made from red soil on the Limestone Coast. Adelaide Hills is one of the coolest and most elevated wine regions in Australia making Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir amongst others. ere is clearly a lot to try in South Australia! Moving further east towards Melbourne you nd yourself not too far from the vineyards again. Here the cool climate regions of Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley prove the region’s metal o ering beautiful Pinot Noir and other wines like Chardonnay and many more.
In the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, north of Sydney they make charming Semillon, the region’s key grape variety that really starts to show its uniqueness once a few years have gone by. I have swung at golf balls drinking 20-year-old Semillon, hammering them into the valley below. is is Australian wine culture at its unique best.
Last but not least is Tasmania, Tasi as they like to call it is the coolest wine region in Australia making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and several more which are also used to make world-class sparkling wines.
I could go on about the regions and the wines they make as there is so much to talk about. ere is highquality winemaking all around, so don’t let the mass brands available in India fool you into thinking that that is all they make. Part of the appeal of Australia is that they truly enjoy themselves, they have jawdropping beauty at every corner, and they are isolated which re ects in the purity of their climatic conditions, spectacular wines and food. All you need to do is go there to experience it for yourself!
