Mindful that secretaries make crucial travel decisions on behalf of their bosses, British Airways is keen to establish good relationships with the high-flying secretarial staff of local firms.

About 50,000 secretaries worldwide belong to British Airways Executive Secretary International club.

British Airways in Bermuda is keen to boost numbers of local members.

Mr. Philip Troake, general manager of British Airways in Bermuda, acknowledged the important role that local travel agents play in organising business travel, and said he did not want to change the way secretaries bought tickets.

"British Airways wants to maintain a dialogue with local secretaries so they feel comfortable about contacting the airline with problems or queries at any time,'' said Mr. Troake, who has managed the airline'as Bermuda operations for seven years.

British Airways hosted lunch for fourteen secretaries from companies, including Corange, the Bank of Bermuda, OIL Insurance, and Heddington Insurance at Waterloo House on Thursday last week.

The event was deemed such a success that an evening event involving local travel agents may be staged in the future.

British Airways distributes a bi-monthly magazine called Executive Secretary International to the club membership. The magazine is designed to keep secretaries apace with British Airways's travel news, airport upgrading, and benefits for executive card holders.

Ms Karen Smith, BA's customer service manager in London, said secretaries who join the club, are provided with a fact file, which contains travel-related information, about buying or arranging travel.

"It is important secretaries know what first class, and business class services are available,'' said Ms Smith. "Secretaries do most of the bookings for important business traveller, and it is down to them on which airline their bosses fly. Most of them are very loyal.'' AIR FARE -- British Airways hosted a lunch last week for members of its local Executive Secretary International club. Pictured with 14 of the 18 members are Mr. Philip Troake, BA general manager, centre, and two other airline staff, (fourth and fifth from the left), Mrs. Ellen Foley, manager sales, New York and Mrs. Carron Ingham, administrative assistant.