Business Travel
Sector Focus Bus firm fuels refugee’s driving dream
A refugee who fled the Syrian civil war is fulfilling his passion of driving and helping others, thanks to National Express West Midlands. Louai Almasri is a driver for the
region’s largest bus operator and takes thousands of people to work, school, college and leisure activities every single day. In Syria he was a vet, and often drove between the three farms that his family owned. As well as helping bus
passengers get to their destination, 32-year-old Mr Almasri also looks after his brother, who has learning difficulties, and his father, who is unable to walk. On top of that, he also volunteers to help other refugees settle in. Every Saturday, Lozells Methodist
Church provides a safe space for refugees to seek help with resettlement. Mr Almasri regularly helps them fill in forms and understand the societal differences between Syria and the UK. Reverend David Butterworth
said: “I met Louai within days of him arriving in Birmingham and it’s
been a joy to get to know him. His generous nature has been a huge help in many ways in the city.”
‘I want to be a good role model and help other refugees to become part of the community’
Mr Almasri said: “Driving has
always been a passion of mine. “National Express has been so supportive of me since I joined the company last year. The flexibility of hours allows me to look after my family but it also gives me the opportunity to volunteer and help others. I want to be a good role model and help other refugees to become part of the community.” Based at the operator’s central
Birmingham garage, he currently drives the 14, 60, 97 and X70 routes. He says he enjoys it so much, he’s not sure he’ll go back to a veterinary career, which was his original plan when he came to the UK.
From civil war to the X70: Bus driver Louai Almasri
New executive lounge for Birmingham Airport
Birmingham Airport has opened a fifth executive lounge for passengers, Clubroom. The lounge can be used by any passenger, regardless of airline or
The silent type: The Enviro electric bus
Electric bus trialled on Birmingham’s roads
National Express West Midlands is running the first fully electric bus in Birmingham. Scottish manufacturer Alexander
Dennis Ltd has lent the bus operator one of their new electric Enviro200Ev, allowing it to be tested on the streets of Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry. Bernie Cassidy, engineering
director at National Express West Midlands, said: “We believe that electric buses are the future. We’re working closely with central government, local councils and Transport for West Midlands through the Bus Alliance to make this a reality. “Within 18 months, National
Express plans to have electric buses operating regularly in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry.
“However, although electric cars
have been around for a while, this technology is relatively new in buses, and it’s very different from the vehicles we already have. “So my team was really keen to
get their hands on this demonstration model electric bus. We’ll be putting it through its paces so we can see what it’s like to drive and maintain.” The ADL Enviro200Ev does not
have a conventional engine. Electricity from a 307kw battery drives each back wheel, via 90kw hub motors. The bus can do 160 miles on one
charge. The lithium-ion iron phosphate battery sits on the roof of the bus and can be fully charged up in under four hours.
Executive facility: Jo Tingey, lounge manager at No1 Lounges, with Richard Gill
February 2019 CHAMBERLINK 71
class of travel. It has been designed in the style of a modern members’ club, and offers full table service, à la carte dining, award-winning wines, classic cocktails as well as runway views. Entry is £35 for a stay of up to three hours pre-flight. Passengers
can also upgrade their visit with Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot champagne packages for an additional £15, when booking online. The new facility is operated by No1 Lounges, who have another
lounge at the airport, located in the departure lounge. In addition, there are two Swissport Aspire lounges. The fifth lounge is the Emirates Lounge, which is for first and business class travellers. Richard Gill, acting commercial director at Birmingham Airport, said:
“Customer service is a top priority for us. We have already invested significantly into the airport’s facilities and will continue to do so, to ensure our customers have a great experience when travelling with us. Customers desiring a premium airport experience now have the Clubrooms as an additional lounge to choose from.”
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