Volvo Buses

UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND

Aircoach invest in ten new Volvo coaches

Republic of Ireland based coach operator, Aircoach, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Group plc, have taken delivery of ten new Volvo B11R coaches to support growing passenger numbers.

The ten 49-seat Volvo vehicles entered service at the end of January following a high-profile launch event attended by Alan Kelly, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Aircoach’s new coaches run daily on the company’s popular and successful Cork to Dublin to Dublin Airport non-stop express service. It operates 36 departures per day, seven days per week proving a reliable service city to city of just three hours.

“Our passenger volumes on that particular route have grown by over 50% during this current year,” explained Allen Parker, Aircoach Managing Director. “The new Volvo B11R coaches are a significant investment for us and reflect our commitment to deliver a consistent, reliable and high quality service for our passengers.

“Key factors in selecting this chassis were the excellent fuel efficiency and the overall maintenance support package provided by Volvo. The fuel efficiency is absolutely critical given the high mileage that the vehicles cover and Irish Commercials are supporting us with the continued repair and maintenance.

Allen Parker continued, “In addition considerable thought has gone into improving maintenance accessibility leading to faster and more efficient turnaround times.

Specified with Plaxton Panther 3 bodywork, the new vehicles feature the fuel efficient Euro 5 incentive Volvo D11C 11-litre engine.

They are specified to deliver the very highest levels of customer comfort with full leather reclining seating, on-board toilet facilities, air conditioning and climate control. Each vehicle has wheelchair access, free WIFI for passengers and USB charging points at every seat. 

The B11R also benefits from a range of Volvo’s well-known and renowned safety features, such as the powerful EBS controlled disc brakes and a multiplexed electronics system.

“Aircoach trust in the performance and reliability of the Volvo coach product,” explained Volvo Coach Sales Manager, James Hyde. “This is a key route that is becoming ever more important to their business, so it is pleasing that they see the benefit in investing with Volvo products and technology. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the future.”

ENDS

21 February 2014

Caption for images:
Aircoach have taken delivery of ten new Volvo B11R coaches with Plaxton Panther 3 bodywork to support growing passenger numbers.