New Bluebird operation employs Hamilton staff

Canadian specialist sets up London-based Consolidated World Travel

New Bluebird operation employs Hamilton staff

Report by STEVEJONES

STAFF made redundant following Hamilton Travel’s collapse are to run a flight consolidation division being launched by Bluebird Holidays.

The Canadian specialist has taken on a dozen reservations staff from Hamilton who will start work this week at Consolidated World Travel. It will be based in offices near Euston.

The launch of the operation came as Burgess Hill-based Bluebird completed the acquisition of rival Canadian specialist Transtech Holidays.

Managing director Stephen Powell said the new consolidated division will benefit from having an already trained and experienced workforce.

“While we were sad to see such a well respected name as Hamilton Travel disappear, we have been fortunate enough to have many of its experienced staff join us,” he said. “Hamilton dealt with a large number of London agents who they built up a rapport with – that is set to continue.”

The creation of the scheduled consolidation division will largely benefit London agents who Powell claims will now be better served.

“Being based in Sussex makes that difficult so we decided to open offices in the capital.”

Powell said the deal for Transtech, a specialist in consolidated fares, was struck after its Canadian owners decided to close down the operation.

“It dealt mainly with Royal Air Lines which slashed UK capacity by 60%,” said Powell. “It will now focus on the Canadian domestic market.”

Powell: said the consolidated division would benefit from gaining staff who have good connections with London agents