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Aviation giant IAG pairs with L Marks for new global startup accelerator

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of some of the world’s biggest airlines, has launched its global accelerator programme as it looks to partner with startups up the aviation sphere.

The Hangar 51 programme sees IAG partnering with early-stage investor and accelerator firm L Marks to support entrepreneurs and startups whose products and tech have the potential to improve customer experience, introduce digital efficiencies and utilise data in new ways.

Based out of IAG’s headquarters in London, successful startups will work with experts from the aviation industry to develop and trial their products, and receive mentoring from the aviation giant’s senior management team.

The group also said that participating startups would also be able to access customer insights and funding from IAG and L Mark’s network of experts and investors.

IAG’s reach in the industry is far and wide, owning major airlines such as British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, along with its IAG Cargo business and airmiles brand Avios.

Glenn Morgan, IAG’s Head of Digital Transformation, said the new ten-week programme was a ‘great opportunity’ for early-stage companies to fast track their ideas in close co-operation with IAG.

He 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.”

IAG and L Marks are inviting pitches from suitable businesses and individuals, who have until midnight on 6 November to apply.

Following the official launch of the accelerator, Stuart Marks, Chairman of L Marks added: “We are excited to be working with IAG on this project to help them innovate in their business and strengthen their already excellent service offering.”

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