Global corporate travel management company, Wings Travel Management, has launched its new Middle East operation in Dubai.
The Dubai operation will see the provision of specialised support to companies in the oil and gas, and marine sectors across the region and represents a significant step for the company in it’s global expansion, Wings said in a statement.
Commenting on the launch, Simon Phage, vice president of Operations, Middle East and Africa said: “This is already a strong market for Wings so we’re excited to position an operation in this key business area. This expansion will enable us to provide a complete travel solution that responds to the needs of the regional oil and gas industry. The strategic importance of launching in Dubai is further underlined by the fact that it is a central business hub in the Middle East.”
Harvey Lines, director of Operations, Middle East for the company will oversee the operation in Dubai, combining his experience from both the airline and travel industries along with his local knowledge of the region. According to Lines, his team will focus on providing a ‘high-tech, high-touch’ solution to the market which he said is greatly needed.
“The feedback we’re getting from travel bookers is that they are desperately seeking a level of service that they’re not currently getting. We’re winning new clients in this market because our service is unique – mostly because we’ve tailored our business model to meet the distinctive needs of the oil and gas industry,” said Lines. “Company personnel travel to and from remote locations with complex logistical needs that we understand very well. Ultimately, we want to bring specialised service back to an industry that has been overly-commoditised.”
Wings provides technology that is based around a single technology platform that allows accurate data management, claims the company. Tied to this single platform is a quality management system that tracks travel incidents across the broad spectrum of travel activities – air, car, hotel, transfer or agency. After the incident is recorded, researched and resolved, a report is compiled for the client to assist them manage supplier performance – not just the travel agency – but all of their travel-related suppliers.
“Wings Travel Management is providing a level of reporting that is unique,” said Lines adding, “Our commitment to quality assurance is an essential component of our service provision and certainly sets us apart from the rest of the field.”
With multi-national buying power for offshore, marine and corporate fares, 24/7 emergency service combined with specialised expertise, the members of Wings believe it delivers a high level of service and value to its clients. The integration of strategically situated operations like Dubai along with sophisticated technology and pioneering quality management further enhance effective travel management for the energy and marine sectors.
Wings is a global organisation with offices in London, Manchester and Aberdeen (UK), Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban (South Africa) and Houston (USA). Wings is also looking at further expanding their African operation by establishing an office in Luanda, Angola.
“For the past 15 years, Wings has provided travel management solutions for many large energy clients around the world,” said Phage. “As we invest in Dubai and our global expansion plans, we will continue to build upon our leading position as an energy specialist through our superior mix of technology, quality management, buying power and experience,” concludes Phage.
