(15/05/06)
Citylink airport service gives business jetsetters a flying start

Scotland’s first dedicated bus service for business jetsetters travelling to and from Glasgow Airport is being launched by Scottish Citylink.

The ‘Hotel Hopair’ service, which starts on Monday, May 15, is aimed specifically at business people, providing frequent and inexpensive daily runs between Glasgow city centre and the country’s busiest international airport.

The service will work to a seven day timetable with pick up points at Glasgow Airport, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and George Square. It will also operate on demand, picking up when required at several major city centre hotels which are participating in the new service.

Steve Walker, general manager of Scottish Citylink, said: “Glasgow Airport is a vital gateway for people visiting or leaving the city on business which is why we were keen to launch a service to ensure they have a hassle free, fast and inexpensive way to get to their destinations.

“We are delighted to have several top city centre
hotels onboard for this new
service which is the first of
its kind in Scotland and one which we hope will be well received by the business community.”

He added: “Depending on the success of this service, there is every possibility we could roll it out to other busy airport locations across the country.”

Seven-seater people carriers will be used to transport business people to and from Glasgow Airport, with the fare costing just £5 single and £9 return. The first service will start at 5am from Glasgow Airport and the final at 11.45pm.

There will be 48 daily departures at each of the Glasgow Airport, Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and George Square Hotel pick up points from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, there will be 46 daily departures from these points and 33 departures on a Sunday.

A number of major city hotels in Glasgow have signed up to the new service including, the City Inn, Menzies Hotel, Marriott, Jurys, Quality, Arthouse, Bewley and Thistle, and Citylink is in discussions with a number of other big names.

Special phones will be installed in each participating hotel giving a direct line to Scottish Citylink’s call centre for bookings which require to be made an hour in advance. Bookings from participating hotels to Glasgow Airport can be made on 08705 501 501.

The increased travel links between Glasgow Airport and the city has been welcomed by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Lesley Sawers, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Citylink’s Hotel Hopair service will be most welcomed by the city’s business community and business visitors.

“Improving connections between the city and Glasgow Airport is vital to facilitate good working links nationally and internationally.  With passenger numbers at Glasgow Airport predicted to virtually double to over 15 million passengers a year by 2030, we need to ensure Glasgow is an easy city to visit and do business and improving links to the airport is vital.”

For further information on Scottish Citylink services, please visit www.citylink.co.uk