British Airways is helping businesses in Northern Ireland beat the recession by offering them free flights to help win new business abroad.

The airline has teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland 200 return flights.

The short-haul and long-haul fares are part of a £15m flight giveaway that British Airways has put together to help SMEs across UK promote and sell their products overseas.

The initiative in Northern Ireland will be delivered by Invest NI in association with UKTI.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' Chief Executive, said: "Small and medium businesses are the backbone of our economy and they are hurting badly in the current financial climate.

"We live in a globalised economy so business opportunities don't always have to live on your doorstep. That is why we are working with Invest NI to help reduce costs for small businesses who are trying to compete on an international level."

Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is a great initiative for the NI business community. There are real opportunities to win new contracts in the global market and these flights will make it easier for local SMEs to expand internationally, without being crippled by transport costs."

Information on how SMEs can take advantage of the free flight giveaway will be announced by British Airways and Invest NI in the coming weeks.

Robert Hamilton, Director, Northern Ireland Exporters Association (NIEA), said: "The NIEA is very active in setting up trade missions to help NI business win contracts abroad, so we are aware how prohibitive travels costs can be for smaller businesses.

"This flight giveaway from British Airways is very welcome as any initiative that makes it easier for SME's to get out there and win new business can only benefit the NI economy."

British Airways will also announce further plans to benefit UK business and travellers throughout the next six months as part of its campaign to get the UK moving again.

(GK/BMcC)