The announcement is part of the airline’s tier-one £40 million sponsorship of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. 

To mark the search for Britain’s next generation of talent, an aircraft is being named after cyclist Sir Chris, winner of four Olympic gold medals, including a record three at Beijing last year.

Sir Chris was back on his feet after suffering scabs, bruises and swollen joints when he crashed during Saturday's keirin final at the World Cup meeting in Copenhagen.

The BA Great Britons programme is a £500,000 fund offering up to 180 free flights a year until 2012 to enable budding talent to fulfil their ambitions.

The scheme is not confined to just sport and will also help budding musicians and actors. 

Sir Chris said: "I am proud and honoured to have an aircraft flying the Union flag named after me.

"British Airways helped me achieve my personal dreams and I hope this programme can do the same for the UK's fledgling talent today."

The airline also announced a partnership with the nation’s elite sports agency - UK Sport to support British sportsmen and women. 

Nearly 1,500 athletes from 28 Olympic and 20 Paralympic sports will benefit from the partnership, which offers up to 20 per cent off flights for them and their families, as well as support with baggage and equipment.

It replaces a similar scheme that UK Sport previously had with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways' biggest domestic rivals, that been launched nearly three years ago by Sir Richard Branson and Dame Kelly Holmes.

British Airways flew British athletes to last year's Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and is also set to fly the squads to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

Luisa Fernandez, British Airways global sponsorship manager said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to help young people achieve their goals.

"We know how important it is to connect people to places and with our extensive network, we can do this better than anyone."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012, was among those backing the scheme.

He said: "We have always said the London 2012 Games would deliver for young people and the BA Great Britons launch is another great example of our partners supporting British talent and creating a lasting legacy."

The Great Britons scheme is open to anyone aged over 16 years old who needs support to develop their talent in any field. 

Applications can be made at here.

The judges will include Lewis, the 2000 Olympic heptathlon champion, film director Jeremy Gilley and British Airways representatives.

The public will have the final say in a vote online.