Stamford-based U.S. Limousine Worldwide and its sister company Royal Falcon Aircraft Charter have opened a West Coast office and rebranded the company as Vitesse Worldwide.
“To continue to be a successful provider to this market we must constantly evaluate and update our services to ensure that we are offering the highest quality travel products that the executive traveler is demanding,” said Shawn Abaspor, president and CEO. “It”™s a whole new day for our company.”
Ninety percent of the company”™s business comes from serving the travel needs of corporate executives worldwide, he said. “The executive traveler spends much of their lives on the move,” Abaspor said. “They are very discriminating and are extremely knowledgeable.”
The U.S. Travel Association reported an uptick in corporate and executive travel in 2010 and into 2011. The association said the travel industry has accounted for more than one in 10 jobs created so far this year.
Vitesse”™s expansion includes a new West Coast regional office in Phoenix, Ariz. It will be managed by Jeff Conly, senior vice president of operations.
Conly comes to Vitesse from ExecuCar, which has the largest ground transport fleet in Arizona.
Abaspor, an FAA-certified commercial pilot, founded U.S. Limousine in 1987 when he was in his early 20s. He said he plans to bring a fresh approach to the world of corporate travel.
In addition to chauffeur service and aircraft charters, the company will offer concierge and security-detail services. It has also refreshed its fleet of ground and air vehicles.
“We are targeting an increase in our market share with the new brand, by expanding our product range to include white-glove concierge and executive-protection services,” Abaspor said. “Our market research has shown that in today”™s world of travel there is demand for dedicated and personalized concierge services and executive protection in certain parts of the world.”
Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, cited a growing market in executive travel security. “We now know that frequent travelers are willing to pay for a better security experience,” he said.