Wanderlust at business travel show
Jyoti Easwaran
Filed on November 19, 2007
AIRBUS PREDICTS Middle East passenger traffic to grow at an annual rate of 7.1 per cent through 2015, compared to a global average of 5.3 percent. All this put together surely predicts a rosy future for the travel industry with Hotels...
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These industry trends came up for introspection and discussion during the two days Business Travel Show at Dubai which focused on improving travel and services across the region.
City Times caught up with two innovative companies presenting their products for the first time in Dubai. Brian Hilditich of Cabot global solutions talked about his company’s entry into the Middle East Market. Cabot Global Solution headquartered in London is an international provider of Chauffeur Drive services and is entering into partnership with a local company to provide their high end value services.
As a new entrant to the Market and competing with the likes of Avis and Europcar, how different is the experience going to be for a Cabot Customer?
We will be using only S class Mercedes which sets us apart .Initially we will be starting with a fleet strength of 50 cars and our drivers will all be very well trained in all aspects of human relations , communications and knowledge about the city so that the customer need not give any directions whatsoever!
Looking at the traffic in Dubai and people using nowadays helicopters to fly within the city and metro in the offing, how do you see the chauffer driven car in the market?
The situation is like any bustling International city .Even with helicopters people will always need cars to take them to their destination and premium air travelers will also prefer premium ground service .The market is good and we hope to capture 10% of the market share in the first year of operations.
City Times also caught up with Anna Martin Head of Communications for Silverjet –the exclusive British Business class only airline.
How has been the journey so far and what will be the customer experience on the Dubai –London sector?
We are extremely excited about our daily flights to Dubai and our experience on the London —New York Sector has been quite impressive. We have increased the frequency of flights. Our Dubai London flights will be only a business class service based on the single carriage model. Passengers will be able to luxury lounge environment, 30 minute check in, a private jet experience with 100 premium flat beds, and specially designed menus.
On long haul flights one of the complaints is that when one least expects food, it is served and there is hardly any time for relaxation and sleeping. How does Silver Jet plan to tackle this confusing customer inconvenience?