Government Air Programme
Working together with their collaborative partners Buying Solutions have established a consolidated air programme, for the provision of air travel services for the UK public sector. In addition to the range of highly competitive air fare discounts, the Government Air Programme (GAP) also offers a series of added value benefits for the public sector business traveler. These can include advantages such as airport transfer and pick up, increased baggage allowances, airport lounge access and priority check in. The GAP will provide major benefits for the public sector by significantly reducing air travel expenditure and helping departments to manage their travel budgets far more effectively than before.
The extended network coverage offered by the GAP includes multiple destinations across UK domestic, European and International long haul destinations, and is supported by 30 of the industry’s leading carriers.
The change in business model has seen Buying Solutions contract directly with the airlines for the first time on a programme this of this size, and replicate what is widely considered as best travel management practice. The direct relationship with the airlines provides the opportunity to get closer to the industry, working with them to develop new and innovative solutions, whilst seeking out wherever possible to eradicate unnecessary and avoidable supply chain costs. By taking ownership of the government’s air programme Buying Solutions can now provide increased visibility of air related expenditure and the ability to track more precise management information on carbon footprints.
The GAP has followed a fully EU compliant process, therefore customers who source their departmental air fares in this way, have the assurance that their procurement choices are compatible with the current public procurement rules.
Martin Chown, Chairman of the Government’s Collaborative Category Board for Travel, and Director of Business Services Procurement at Buying Solutions, which has been leading the ground breaking procurement on behalf of stakeholders, said:
“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the public sector works in collaboration. The deal provides discounts averaging 24%, delivering significant incremental savings on air travel for government departments and the wider public sector."
“This is a major breakthrough and I must pay tribute to the commitment from stakeholders. It took a lot of time and effort and they should feel proud of their achievement."
“The Government Air Programme will provide major benefits for the public sector enabling organisations to significantly reduce costs and to budget for air travel more effectively than ever before.”
The GAP is open for use by Central Civil Government and the wider public sector, should you wish to find out more please contact Buying Solutions Travel Team.
For further details regarding this framework, in the first instance please call our Customer Service Desk on 0345 410 2222 and ask to speak to a member of the Travel team or alternatively email travel@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk
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To access all framework details including supplier information, please access the following link