British Airways owner IAG has just launched an accelerator for startups

Hangar 51 to help London startups

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, IAG Cargo and Avios, has just launced a startup accelerator programme called Hangar 51.

Start-ups are invited to pitch to join Hangar 51 and work with one of the world’s largest airline groups, creating next generation travel experiences and finding solutions to real business challenges through lasting and collaborative partnerships.  

Working with corporate innovation specialist and early-stage investor L Marks, the initiative will support the development of new entrepreneurs to transform the aviation industry and revolutionise customer experience through new technology, products and services.

The ten-week programme, based at IAG’s HQ in London, will enable start-ups looking to enter the aviation industry to trial their products globally and receive mentoring from the Group’s senior management team. This will help them to rapidly accelerate their product development as well as gain access to real customer insights from experts and funding from IAG and L Marks.

Start-ups from around the world can now submit their applications to join Hangar 51 at www.hangar51.com. Applications will close at midnight GMT on November 6, 2016.

Glenn Morgan, IAG’s head of digital transformation, said: “This brand new programme will bringing cutting edge digital start-ups into the heart of our business. We want them to tell us what we don’t know. If start-ups have something that can be applied to our industry to help our customers then we want to hear from them. This initiative is a great opportunity for early stage businesses to fast-track their innovative ideas by working closely with IAG. We’ll fully support them through mentoring and funding to improve customer journeys with new disruptive and innovative ideas.”