32
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com
Loganair’s Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles
Mark Johnston, Managing Director, Glasgow Airport
significant development for both Scotland-London air links and Loganair. “Southend is a very convenient and
well-positioned gateway to the capital. It has been voted the UK’s Best Airport three times, perfectly complementing Loganair’s recently earned European Airline of the Year accolade. “Our schedule is designed to offer maximum flexibility for passengers regardless of their requirements – whether that’s a one-day return, overnight stop or a longer break exploring the city. It’ll also be attractive to leisure customers from South-East England wishing to visit the Highlands and Islands with only a quick transfer in Glasgow. Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation,
owners and operators of London Southend Airport, said: “With our own railway station just 60 steps from the terminal door, up to six trains an hour into London and our award-winning customer service, we expect these new routes to prove very popular with customers flying to and from Scotland.” Virgin Trains is carrying nearly 2,000 people a day between Glasgow and London, an increase of 29% compared to just six years ago. The operator claims transformation of the West Coast Mainline has resulted in the growth of rail’s market share against airlines of the Glasgow to London market from 8% in 2009 to 22%. Phil Whittingham, Managing
Director for Virgin Trains, said: “We have worked tirelessly with Government and industry partners to completely transform the West Coast route, introducing a fleet of new
trains, achieving one of the biggest timetable changes since privatisation without a hitch and bringing a focus on customer experience that the industry had not experienced before.” For business travellers for whom speed is of the essence, air travel may still be the mode of choice to get to London. However, rail timetables now feature faster, more frequent train services. Travellers who are climate conscious will also be helping to curb carbon emissions by making more efficient use of transport networks.
Meanwhile, the new £150m fleet
of Caledonian Sleeper trains features double beds and en-suites, reclining seats and onboard WiFi. The trains will replace rolling stock built in the 1980s, travelling overnight between London and Scotland. Ryan Flaherty, Managing Director of Caledonian Sleeper, says the trains offer a hospitality experience rather than a functional overnight trip, “combining the nostalgic feeling of railway travel with modern facilities that travellers expect”.
Loganair is launching a new way to fly to London – starting three jet services each weekday between Glasgow and London Southend. Only a 53-minute train from Liverpool Street Station, Southend is the ideal
gateway to the capital. With a station just 60 steps from the terminal, and several trains per hour, it’s a hassle-free way to start a day of business. On the return trip customers pass through security quickly and easily –
walking a short distance to their departure gate. The airline offers one of the most generous baggage, inflight hospitality and frequent flyer schemes of any carrier operating to the capital – allowing 20kg of hold baggage, 6kg of carry-on and a complimentary refreshment per reservation. Its generous rewards scheme gifts one free flight for every five booked with Loganair’s most flexible fare – which also enables last minute schedule changes free of charge.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
