THE Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) has launched a corporate chauffeur service in a bid to tap into what it says is “the rapidly increasing business travel market”.

Indeed, according to the JAA, the need for chauffeur services is not being satisfied by private cab companies there is a limited number of limousine operators, given the increasing demand for such services.

The JAA Car Service “is targeted to meet the needs of corporate executives and high-end business travellers, offering an upscale mode of airline transfer service from home or office, to clients on the go,” says JAA general manager Duane Ellis.

“From our research, there is a growing market for quality corporate chauffeur services,” Ellis points out, given the expanding global reach of local corporate entities and persons travelling from and to Jamaica strictly on business. According to recent figures from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), some 5.5 per cent of visitors to Jamaica come for business, conventions and meetings, and several Jamaicans also travel abroad for business purposes only, annually.

“We plan to use our company’s fleet of Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series motor cars to offer prompt and reliable service that allows the growing base of business executives to travel in style and comfort to and from the Norman Manley International Airport, in the first instance,” says Ellis.

He said that clients will be greeted and transported by professional drivers who are distinctively attired in suits and are skilled with high regard for road safety and an appreciation for flight schedules.

On their way to their destination, clients will be served light refreshments and will be offered a choice of newspapers, magazines, books and entertainment, adds Ellis.

The company is also in the process of upgrading its website, to allow persons to make reservations online and pay for the services with credit card.

“Our clients will find that the level of service they will receive will be of the quality and class of destinations anywhere in the world,” Ellis emphasises.

He states that service can only be initiated in Kingston or Montego Bay, although the JAA will take clients from the pick-up point to any destination in Jamaica.

The JAA Car Service adds to the increasing range of motoring benefits being offered by the JAA, Ellis notes. The company, which is known for its emergency roadside assistance, also offers a range of other travel benefits such as discounts from a wide range of merchant partners in Jamaica and many countries around world. The company’s merchant partners number more than 200 across the island and approximately 150,000 worldwide, whose businesses include-pharmacies, auto shops and automobile dealers, attractions, hotels, spas and beauty salons.

“Our signature commitment to our members and clients is to offer peace of mind and our new car service is an extension of that commitment,” the JAA general manager says.