National Express is hoping to secure a significant number of deals with travel agents with the launch of the UK’s first large-scale shared airport shuttle service.
The company, known for its coach services, is launching dot2dot from November 1 with 64 purpose-built 10 or 12-seater vehicles, rising to 76 by the end of the year. Agents will be entitled to commission by booking the service.
It will run shared shuttles between Heathrow and more than 600 central London hotels every 15-20 minutes.
From Gatwick airport, passengers will use the train to Victoria and then be driven to their hotel.
Managing director Paul Whitfield said the company was keen to work with Scottish agents. He said: “We want to sign up a significant number of other affiliates to expand the service. Scotland is one of the top five countries delivering people into Heathrow and we can offer a dedicated portal for agents to book direct with us.”
Commission will differ depending on the volume of bookings expected. Shuttle prices will lead in at £22 for a single from Heathrow and £35 for a return for one person. For a couple, prices are £35 for a single and £66 for a return. Bookings can be taken from October 1.
Where agents pass on customer details to the company, passengers will receive a confirmation text message about their transport 30 minutes before it arrives and an e-mail 24 hours in advance of the return shuttle.