International Airlines Group (IAG) is launching its third Hangar 51 global innovation programme in collaboration with British
Airways, Avios and IAG Cargo. The initiative will be based in London at the companies’ headquarters. Start-ups from around the
world are invited to join the industry-leading programme. Up to ten successful companies will be embedded in the heart of the
business to develop and test their products with the opportunity to grow on a global scale.
In partnership with corporate innovation specialist L Marks, Hangar 51 supports start-ups of all sizes and growth stages to transform the travel industry.
The programme goes beyond a traditional accelerator and offers disruptive companies ten weeks of co-working alongside IAG. They will receive personalised mentoring and access to a vast network of industry contacts and experts from across the Group. Successful applicants will also showcase their achievements at a Demo Day before an audience comprised of the Group’s senior management team and investors. This will give them the opportunity to receive potential investment from IAG’s multimillion pound digital fund to scale their business.
The accelerator will focus on six core categories:
* Connected service: innovative devices, including wearables and IoT solutions, which can assist in providing an excellent experience for customers and employees.
* Smarter operations: big data analytics, robotic processes and smart contracting to optimise business operations.
* New products: creative solutions to enhance the products and services portfolio which can be integrated into existing platforms to improve the customer journey.
* Future cargo logistics: shipping analytics, asset tracking, and measurement and monitoring tools to optimise cargo operations.
* Loyalty and rewards: tech solutions and platforms, such as card-linking and alternative payment options, which are easily integrated into Avios, the airlines’ channels and retail partners.
* Wildcard: any new disruptive ideas that have the potential to reshape the travel industry.
Dupsy Abiola, IAG’s head of global innovation, said: “IAG is passionate about cultivating and supporting the next generation of travel technology companies. As one of the world’s largest airline groups, disruptive start-ups can benefit from our size, scale and expertise to help drive faster product innovation. Hangar 51 is now in its third year and our last accelerators saw us receive 800 applications worldwide which led to investment in three start-ups. We’re excited about continuing our unique approach by bringing the start-ups to the heart of our business and harnessing their potential to transform the future of travel.”
