Birmingham Airport expansion creates jobs with Leeds private-hire firm Arrow Cars

Leeds-based Arrow Cars is creating dozens of employment opportunities by expanding into its fifth region.

The company secured a new five-year contract with Birmingham Airport to provide its private-hire services from January.

With a forecast turnover of £20m in its current financial year, Arrow is the UK’s second largest taxi/private-hire business in the UK, behind Uber. The firm is already an official private hire-partner of Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Bristol and East Midlands airports.

By expanding into Birmingham, Arrow will create 14 new jobs for full-time administration staff and recruit another 100 drivers.

Customers travelling to and from the airport will be able to pre-book journeys online, via Arrow Cars’ or Birmingham Airport’s websites, or using an app.

Arrow Cars chairman David Richmond, who founded the company in 2004 by acquiring several small private-hire firms, said: “We are delighted to undertake this partnership with Birmingham Airport.

“Our shared ethos and vision of outstanding client work, corporate social responsibility and global growth makes this a match made in heaven.”

He added: “We will be investing over £1m in a large fleet from day one to deliver this unique service to millions of passengers flying in and out of the major hub.”

Birmingham Airport’s acting commercial director, Richard Gill, commented: “We are pleased to be introducing an official private hire service at Birmingham Airport.

“Providing our passengers with ease of travel is important. The new private hire service will enable passengers to pre-book and pay in advance for their onward and return journeys to and from the airport.”

He continued: “Arrow Cars impressed us with its experience, service and professionalism, it also has a clear strategy to introduce environmentally friendly vehicles from the beginning of the contract term.

“This premium private hire service will be a valued addition for our growing airport and we are looking forward to working together to expand our complete passenger offering.”