The contract, which is for an undisclosed value, marks an expansion of Xerox's existing contract for the delivery of printed materials, which it has held since 1995, to include the mailing contract previously held by Pitney Bowes.

As a result of the enlarged arrangement, Xerox has partnered with MITIE Business Services to create a mail and distribution hub in Uxbridge, which will handle all BA's inbound and outbound mail, including customer correspondence and internal mail.

To maintain BA's high security standards, specially trained staff at the dedicated hub will carry out full security screening of all inbound mail items and associated courier deliveries.

The 32-staffed facility will feature existing print and mailing machinery, in addition to new security screening and associated mailroom equipment. Xerox declined to reveal the total investment in the new facility.

Amanda Abernethy, director and general manager of Global Document Outsourcing for Xerox UK, said: "Having committed to a long-term project of cutting overheads and improving processes across the business, BA needed to find a partner that could tackle complex back-office functions.

"With our expertise in document management, we have simplified and improved BA's mail-handling operation. The next phase of the project will migrate the airline’s mail processing to a digital platform that feeds directly into its internal workflow, introducing further efficiencies."

BA procurement executive Mark McCarthy added: "BA has a culture of consistently improving customer service, and we expect our providers to support us in keeping this level of commitment.

"Xerox is more than a supplier – they have been a trusted partner for 16 years. With Xerox focused on printing and streamlining our document processes, we can use our energy and time to focus on bringing BA customers the best service in the sky."

Under the terms of the new deal Xerox will continue to produce printed material such as technical publications, in-flight services, training manuals and payroll printing.