British Airways flies high with online learning system : Cabin crew can top up their training from across the world

Purpose – This article describes the award‐winning online‐learning program developed to help British Airways cabin crew to use Barplus, an on‐board point‐of‐sale system that records in‐flight sales and acts as a stock‐control system. Design/methodology/approach – Contains information from the airline's e‐learning manager and from the UK head of Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), which developed the training program. Findings – Shows that the program took some seven months to develop, because the actual system and its screen design changed during the system's development, and the learning materials had to reflect these changes. Throughout these months, Tata Interactive Systems had a permanent computer link to Bristol Office Machinery, which was developing Barplus, in order to let the TIS developers see the most up‐to‐date version of the product on a daily basis. Practical implications – Argues that the real benefit of the learning materials is that all British Airways cabin crew are more confident – and competent – at using the Barplus system, and this means that BA customers do not experience problems in making their in‐flight purchases. Originality/value – Highlights the value of e‐learning to an international airline, since it enables employees to gain access to the training from remote locations.