Flybus takes off with Hytera

Flybus, an AVICO Group company which offers a wide range of services for airlines and air transport industry. Founded 20 years ago, AVICO Group has opened branches in 9 countries, over 3 continents and has developed a consolidated turnover of 140+ million euros.

Flybus carries 7 million passengers a year for more than 50 airlines at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. With 50 buses running 24/7, Flybus has 100 drivers responsible for transporting passengers and luggage alike at the airport. Didier Catouillard, Operations Director at Flybus, commented that "Drivers need absolute security and instant connectivity, so a reliable means of communication is essential. Smartphones aren't reliable enough for us, so our Hytera radios are indispensable."

Flybus chose to renew their communications with a fleet of PD605 digital radio handsets, a compact and lightweight DMR device. Catouillard continues: "The sound quality of the Hytera handsets is comparable to a smartphone. The reliable transmission is excellent, and this digital technology has considerably improved the working conditions of our staff."

In a noisy airport environment, sound quality is incredibly important. Flybus employees have to contend not just with the noise of customers, but the ambient from the engine of the buses and the planes taking off. Despite this, staff needs to be heard clearly at all times by the two Flybus regulators. The PD605 also has a long battery life, lasting up to 16 hours in digital mode. It is also reliable and rugged, holding up in wet as well as dusty conditions thanks to its IP67 rating.

Didier Catouillard adds that customer service is paramount for Flybus. "All drivers use the same frequency. Our two regulators sometimes have to manage 30 drivers at the same time. Thankfully, the PD605 lets us react quickly and efficiently by using one single button to communicate. The Hytera handsets are easy to use, which makes a huge difference."

Flybus even made a request to Hytera to modify the antenna, making it even more robust for the daily operation. "Everyone here is very happy with Hytera. We're now looking at using supporting earpieces and potentially a remote microphone, so that communications are always optimal."