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Getting back to business was the topic of the May 12 meeting of the Florida Limousine Association (FLA) as the state is beginning to open up after some lockdown orders were relaxed in early May. Many businesses, such as restaurants and lodging are limited in capacity, while others including movie theaters remain closed in the tourism-reliant state.
FLA President Rick Versace
Representatives from the state’s airports were invited to give updates on what’s happening in air travel. Domestic travel is starting to slowly return as airports ramp up their cleaning and passenger screening protocols—although much of the latter is expected to be shouldered by the TSA and could potentially increase wait times as traffic increases. One notable exception is international travel, including from the U.K., as airports await the lifting of federal restrictions that were imposed on European travelers early in the national emergency. As such, airport officials don’t anticipate a robust June for international visitors. Most airports, including Orlando International Airport, are requiring chauffeurs and drivers to wear masks when on the property.
Operators participating in the online conference also discussed the ways they are cleaning and sanitizing vehicles, including installing partitions, wearing masks, and screening drivers. Additionally, deep cleaning options were shared, with Michael Miller of Cedillas offering some options. Among them were using microbial disinfectants dispersed through an atomizer to access hard-to-reach spots during evening deep cleaning and installing a UV light device directly in the roof of the vehicle, which would continuously sanitize the cabin while being safe for passengers’ eyes. The UV device, which is currently being tested for a larger market, is being used in President Trump’s limousines.
In an effort to standardize how Florida transportation companies protect their riding public, the FLA developed a list of protocols that it circulated to members:
- Vehicles go through a daily cleaning cycle, with a hospital-grade disinfectant.
- All common areas will be wiped down and disinfected between trips by drivers and chauffeurs.
- All drivers will be screened daily based on CDC and Department of Health recommendations.
- All drivers shall use PPE as required by local, state, and CDC recommendations.
- Glove wearing is promoted. Gloves to be worn while handling luggage.
- Safe passenger signs or placards depicting "this vehicle is deep cleaned daily in accordance with the CDC recommendations" should be positioned in vehicles reflecting driver's attention to safety.
- These protocols are mandatory, and masks are required to be worn by County Ordinance by both passengers and drivers. We have sanitizing equipment available at all our offices, drivers must make sure the car has been sanitized between each ride, and passengers are offered a sanitary package that includes a mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
While the state is not yet operating at 100 percent, FLA President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service sees hope for luxury ground transportation in the top-down recovery.
“There could be a silver lining in this for our industry. People will be looking for transportation that they know and trust. Most of our vehicles are fleet-owned and go to our offices every day to be disinfected and sanitized,” Versace said to members. “Our passengers are first-class and business-class passengers that expect exceptional service. The airlines always cater to these passengers because they are the most profitable customers. These people are already starting to travel again and will be using us to drive them.”
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
[05.18.20]
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter outside of AJL's new facility
AJL International Owner & President Matthew Johnston has announced that the company has completed work on their new headquarters, located near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Irving, Texas. The 42,000-square-foot building sits upon 2.5 acres with plenty of parking for AJL’s extensive fleet.
Johnston revealed that the company moved into the facility at the start of the year, but construction was just completed this spring. He likens AJL’s new office space to a luxury hotel.
Chauffeur lounge
“We’re like the Four Seasons here,” laughs Johnston. “We’re practically set up to launch rockets.”
The 10,000-square-foot office space offers comfort and modern work environment for AJL’s staff of 30. The building also includes a massive warehouse space for servicing vehicles.
Operations center
Johnston acknowledges that moving into a new headquarters is less than fortuitous during the current COVID crisis, but AJL is working hard to maintain a sense of normalcy.
“We’ve never shut down. A core staff still comes in the building each day and keeps steady hours. We huddle together better. It’s sort of like starting at square one.”
To view a video of AJL’s new facility, visit AJL's Facebook page or head to ajlinternational.com for more information.
[05.18.20]
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Optimism was the mood captured on the Wednesday, May 13, Zoom meeting of the West Florida Limousine Association (WFLA). With Florida in the midst of Phase 1 of their economic reopening, the board and membership of the association were excited about businesses opening in the Tampa area, including restaurants and hotels.
WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik
Hosted by WFLA Secretary Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation, the Zoom meeting provided an informal environment for the members to catch up on the latest industry news. Participants took part from home offices, in a vehicle post-passenger drop-off, and even offshore on a boat. The chief topic of discussion was the recent opening of restaurants—at 50 percent capacity—in the Northern and Central Florida regions.
Vender member Joseph Madiedo of PIC Insurance shared his experience about a recent meal he had at an area restaurant, and was particularly impressed with the effort demonstrated to provide a safe and pleasant meal. The restaurant used his reservation info to follow up the next day, which was a customer service approach that left him impressed. This led the WFLA members to discuss best practices for following up with passengers after a ride.
The members also have high hopes for the planned re-opening of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in mid-May, the proposed outdoor dining in the South Howard Avenue District, the rumored relaunch of Disney Cruises in July, and the return of the Grand Prix in October.
The NLA’s NOLB Virtual Summit was also fresh in the participant’s minds, in particular in terms of the safety and cleaning guidelines discussed during the online meeting. Several of the WFLA members are looking to install Plexiglas shields in their vehicles, as well as placing stickers on the passenger door that read “This Vehicle Has Been Sanitized for Your Convenience.” Another disinfectant solution recommended was UV Wands, which can sanitize small areas of the car that cannot be wiped down easily.
While the past several weeks have been rough for the Florida operators, the promise of the continual reopening of the state seemed to have the WFLA members looking forward.
The association is planning a “lunch” meeting on May 20 at 12:30 p.m. Details can be found at the WFLA Facebook page.
[05.15.20]