British Airways has introduced a new and environmentally-friendly electric cab service at Heathrow Airport, giving customers the opportunity to experience travelling in a legendary London taxi without leaving the airport.
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) taxi features Wi-Fi, a phone, a laptop, USB charging, and a panoramic roof. Additional benefits include air-conditioning and a spacious cabin with room for travellers’ hand luggage.
The taxis will join British Airways’ fleet of chauffeur-driven executive vehicles, to drive premium customers at risk of missing their connecting flight to meet their next aircraft. Customers are met by the driver at the aircraft side and are driven directly to the next aircraft for their onward flight.
Daljit Hayre, Senior Manager, Heathrow Customer Experience at British Airways, said: “It’s great to see the reaction of customers when they’re met by a London taxi at the side of the aircraft, waiting to take them on to their next flight. They’ve told us how much they appreciate this gesture, plus they love the space in the vehicle for their hand baggage. We’re also really pleased that using a new generation electric taxi reduces our carbon footprint.”
British Airways’ Environment Manager, Andy Kershaw, added: “British Airways takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and this initiative is part of our overall ambition to reduce carbon emissions and those emissions that impact air quality and our local communities.”
The initiative is part of British Airways’ long-term plan to reduce emissions from all vehicles at Heathrow and follows the introduction of electric aircraft pushback vehicles.
Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC, said: “We’re delighted that British Airways has chosen our electric vehicles to support this innovative new service. We designed the TX eCity with the aim of delighting customers with a more premium experience, and thanks to British Airways even those with the shortest of stays in London can now travel in comfort and style in the world’s most advanced electric taxi.”
With 2019 being British Airways’ centenary year, the airline is investing £6.5 billion for customers over the next five years, including new aircraft, new cabins, new catering, new lounges, Wi-Fi, and new routes.
