Managed ground transport serves as an unsung hero within the aviation industry, coordinating behind-the-scenes logistics of critical transport operations when moving both low and high volumes of passengers, airline staff and cargo. Applied throughout daily operating procedures, managed ground transport is paramount to facilitating the steady flow of traveller movements between airport terminals, surrounding hotels and cities.
Moreover, this complex and meticulously built system streamlines operations whilst taking into account the fluctuating demands of air travel during aviation peak seasons alongside both pre-planned and unforeseen disruption. Critical operational impacts ripple through the aviation chain due to disruption interfering with flight schedules leading to time sensitive delays and in the worst-case scenario – flight cancellations.
Fortunately, airlines can achieve positive outcomes when they seize the opportunity to manage disruptions effectively. By utilising managed transport and accommodation solutions, the aviation sector can focus and optimise its efforts on realigning flight schedules while feeling rest assured that its passengers are safely transported.
Passenger Experience
Behind every successful airline are the passengers who trust them to start their journey. Which is why, ensuring unforgettable passenger experiences is the foundation to building and retaining a respectable brand reputation that encourages passenger loyalty.
Airlines simplify transport coordination for passengers throughout their travel journeys and minimise any friction or hassle felt during the different touch points of ground transport services. Let’s break down each mile of transit to find out why:
- Manoeuvring the airport — For a large variety of passengers, navigating an airport can be an unfamiliar and daunting challenge, especially when managing the pressures of working to a tight schedule. Managed ground transport plays an unrivalled role in improving passenger experience by providing peace of mind that a pre-arranged airport transfer or dedicated shuttle is secured to take them and their accompanied luggage between hotels, car parks and terminals with plenty of time to spare.
- Vehicle accessibility — Managed transport services expertly operate a fleet of accessible vehicles such as WAV’s, which have been designed to accommodate for wheelchair users and individuals who have difficulty with their mobility. This specialised fleet reassures passengers with disabilities that support, and assistance is readily available, contributing to a stress-free transit and elevated passenger experience.
- Travel and accommodation — If flight delays and cancellations affect travellers, private transport services manage passenger expectations by ensuring they receive safe and compliant transit home or to appropriate accommodation allocated by the airline. This relieves pressure from the aviation sector, allowing them to zone in on their objectives of realigning flight schedules.
CMAC conducted research inviting 1,100 UK residents to share their views and experiences of flight disruptions. We found that the proposition of an airline guaranteeing the immediate provision of specialist on-the-ground teams in the event of flight disruption was extremely well received across the sample, with 82% stating that they would prefer to travel with an airline that offered this service.
Implementing the passenger at the heart of all aviation strategies demonstrates to the customer that you value their loyalty and, in return, boosts brand reputation. It’s imperative for the aviation sector to recognise the unparalleled service managed ground transport facilitates for their customers, ensuring an efficient and seamless journey almost every time.
Cost Efficiency
Leveraging a single source managed transport aggregator is a forward-thinking solution to mitigate cost inefficiencies that can quickly escalate within the aviation sector.
- Managed shuttle bus — Facilitating transport for airline crew and staff is a cost-saving investment for the aviation sector as it avoids resourcing expensive last-minute transport solutions when behind schedule and overall, improves on-time reliability, preventing flight delays.
- Airline technology — Managed ground transport aggregators rely on data-driven technology with real-time tracking for a bird's eye view of their fleet's whereabouts, allowing transport managers to adjust routes instantly based on sudden delays, improving passenger punctuality. This is particularly useful for optimising crew scheduling integration as these real-time analytics ensure crew arrive on time, preventing flight delays and eliminating costly last-minute transport solutions.
- Sustainability initiatives — Transparent sustainability strategies are paramount for the aviation sector to comply with non-negotiable ESG targets and guidelines. Managed transport providers not only lower operational expenses but simultaneously support airlines in meeting these green credentials. By consolidating trips with shared passengers this reduces fuel consumption through minimising unnecessary mileage and preventing empty vehicle runs.
Refining ground transport operations into one aggregator, provides a comprehensive outlook on expenditure costs and savings. By efficiently standardising all ground transport, the aviation sector can cut its losses whilst sustainably operating eco-friendly services.
Elevate your 2025 Ground Transport With CMAC
CMAC has built its reputation through unrivalled experience, undisputable passion and a team of invaluable individuals who have been able to execute this triage into action during the recent events of Storm Éowyn.
We stepped up to support our customers and their passengers, facilitating alternative transport and re-accommodation during the extratropical cyclone, which brought heavy rain, snow and strong wind, causing severe disruption across the UK and Ireland. Aircraft were grounded, leaving passengers stranded after being issued flight delays and cancellations due to these severe weather conditions. Our clients leveraged our seamless transport and accommodation solutions to accomplish the facilitation of the following:
- 1,215 hotel rooms
- 297 coaches
- 7,585 taxis
We’re proud to dynamically combine our cutting-edge technology with a dedicated team of experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to achieve these incredible numbers of safely facilitated transport and accommodation solutions.
From start to finish, we collaborate with you, using our bespoke and innovative technology to manage every detail, from booking and scheduling to real-time case tracking, monitoring, and contingencies. Our intuitive dashboard can be integrated into your own internal systems, accessing real-time HOTAC availability and allowing independent management of multiple journeys.
To find out more about our ground transport expertise, visit www.cmacgroup.com or reach out to our committed transport specialists today at: hello@cmacgroup.com