| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 10/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
Airport rail services look to lift sales
HEATHROW and Gatwick Express are encouraging operators to include tickets for the rail services in their packages.The initiative will mean increased commission for agents if they book the train transfers as part of the holiday.
Deals with operators are part of a wider campaign by the services’ management to increase ticket sales under a new trade brand, Airport Express. The brand, unveiled today, unites the Heathrow and Gatwick services under the same name in a commercial alliance.
Airport Express commercial director Jeremy Job said: “We want to make it easier for agents to sell the services. We will have an awareness campaign and consultation with trade bodies.”
Job is to talk to ABTA and the Guild of Business Travel Agents in an attempt to increase bookings.
At present, 10%-15% of BAA-owned Heathrow and National Express-owned Gat-wick Express tickets are sold through the trade.
They attract 9% commission but Job is willing to increase this if it has a positive impact on sales.
Single fares remain at £12 for Heathrow Express and £10.80 for Gatwick, although discounts are available through operators.