Air Europa¡¯s UK&I director Colin Stewart argues that businesses can benefit from flying indirect to long-haul destinations

In an ideal world we¡¯d all take long-haul direct flights and travel business class ¨C if not first ¨C in the newest state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly aircraft.

But business travel is more complex; businesses are shifting outside the capitals, travel budgets are tightening, direct doesn¡¯t always mean the most comfortable journey and you can¡¯t fly direct to some cities. If flying via Europe gives a business class flat-bed for a night flight for the same price as an economy seat, surely it¡¯s a no brainer?

Regional airports have improved beyond recognition in the last ten years, and are relatively calm compared to the sometimes overwhelming bustle of Heathrow. But they still don¡¯t have the full range of destinations that the hub airports offer, and non-direct long-haul is often the best option. For businesses located more than a couple of hours from London it makes sense to start the journey at the nearest regional airport with transfer at a European hub for the long-haul sector, rather than taking the unpredictable overland journey or domestic flight to Heathrow or Gatwick.

Price is a big factor, especially for SMEs with tight travel budgets but more leeway for creative route planning. Direct long-haul flights by legacy carriers, with the flexibility the business traveller needs, can be staggeringly expensive. With a well-planned itinerary it¡¯s very possible to plan the journey via a European hub, in business class, for a similar price to a direct economy flight. Complex multi-destination itineraries may also benefit from the whole journey being ticketed using alliance carriers, with connections in tune with partner airlines.

Of course buyers and travellers will be asking: ¡°What about the extra time it takes?¡± If a company is located well outside London, once the journey to Heathrow plus the extra time required at a major hub airport for queuing is factored in, it should be possible to plan an itinerary that takes no extra time using a regional airport. If using Heathrow or Gatwick, the typical connecting time at a European hub, for well-planned journeys, is usually around two hours ¨C that can be weighed up against the benefits of cost saving and comfort.

Colin Stewart is Air Europa¡¯s UK & Ireland director. He was recently appointed chairman of LATA (Latin American Travel Association) and BAR UK (Board of Airline Representatives in the UK) member. Air Europa is a member of the Sky Team alliance.