British Airways has signed a multimillion-pound deal with networking supplier Vanco to build and manage a global virtual private network (VPN).

The vendor will design and run the secure IPSec VPN for 155 sites in 64 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

The virtual network, which incorporates ADSL connectivity and back-up services, is expected to link services from about 80 different network suppliers, and will handle traffic from business applications, email, internet access and remote workers.

Vanco will manage about 20 per cent of BA's total networking infrastructure, with multiple suppliers still maintaining other systems in the region and the US.

'We are confident this approach will deliver the high service levels, flexibility and lifetime cost benefits that our business requires to maximise its ability to remain successful in the 21st century airline environment,' said Gordon Penfold, head of IT business development and information security at BA.

The airline giant also says the VPN will offer greater levels of security across the company.

The multi-year managed services agreement follows a trial programme late last year to test the system's technical ability.

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