A recent report by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirms trends Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has seen emerging with its corporate travellers.
Frustrated with delays and additional costs of transferring particularly through Heathrow travellers are increasingly using regional airports.

The recent report by the CAA revealed that from 2002 to 2006 passenger numbers from regional airports for international scheduled services doubled; regional airports now handle 42% of international travel. Although Birmingham and Manchester continue to handle substantially more international scheduled passengers, other regional airports are also reporting higher levels of passenger numbers.

Peter Kite, HRG’s Managing Director Europe West, commented: “In the last year we have observed changing travel patterns among our clients, with an increase in the numbers of corporate travellers now opting to leave from a closer regional airport when travelling for business.

“The addition of daily flights to the US and Middle East, and other business destinations, from regional airports such as Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle, means that more flights are available.  The greater choice of departure airport,  whether direct flights or via an international hub, the increase in routes and the flexibility of schedules makes life for corporate travellers much easier and has the added benefits of reducing total travel times and potentially reducing costs,” he said.

With an overall focus on providing added-value services for clients, HRG is committed to assessing all corporate travel-related solutions to its clients that could potentially reduce costs while maximising efficiency. Additionally, the company is highly experienced in recommending alternatives for the increasing number of business travellers who are aware of their carbon emissions and wish to reduce their environmental footprint.

“The increased awareness of environmental issues has impacted the way business travellers consider and manage their travel requirements.

“Over the course of one trip, many of our clients now choose to stop over in several countries and undertaking multiple meetings, in order to maximise their time abroad. This not only reduces travel time and cost, but also helps to offset client’s carbon footprint in turn making them more responsible travellers,” said Peter Kite.
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