Q We read recently in COMMERCIAL MOTOR
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of a coach firm expanding due to its work at Heathrow Airport, London. If we, as a small coach firm, opened a branch near a local airport how do you suggest we integrate coaching witii the airport services?
AThe first step would be to contact the
management at the local airport and discuss the type of facilities they require relative to the linking of coach services with flights to and from the airport. This is on the assumption that there would be a worthwhile passenger potential at the airport in question.
The firm to which you refer, which works from Heathrow Airport, London, is Whytes, of Edgware, and the secret of its success is that it managed to establish a base at the airport and built up -excellent relationships with the various airlines involved. However, a large part of Whytes' work is the conveyance of airport staff to and from the airport itself.
Another feature which helps Whytes to meet the need of the airlines is that it has radio-controlled vehicles and is prepared to meet flights at very short notice on a 24-hour basis, despite rearrangements through diverted or unexpected arrivals.
An important aspect to consider would be the application for the necessary road service licences which would have to be obtained for any regular services you might wish to operate from the airport. Preliminary advice on this could best be obtained from your local Traffic Commissioner prior to engaging a legal adviser for the purpose of making the application.