By John Ryan
In the weeks before the world understood Covid-19 was a drama, Langley’s Coaches was flying high, a real local success story from very humble beginnings which had just bought the coach business on Norfolk Island.
With a staff of 70 people running a business where passengers, many elderly, sit in close proximity, the lockdowns and restrictions hit early, and hard. And that downturn has been ongoing according to company founder Phil Langley.
“We have taken a bit of a beating in certain parts of our company with up to 90 per cent reduction in business with other parts (school buses) almost not affected,” Mr langley told Dubbo Photo News.
“We have been able to retain almost all of our staff in both locations as we feel we must support local communities.
“Some of the local product we us are: computers, phone systems, stationery, fuel and lubricants, tyres, paints and panel beaters, spare parts, local builders and contractors and much more.
He says the company is hoping to see a return of confidence in the industry, with people across the nation jumping on coaches to explore this vast and beautiful island nation, creating a domestic tourism boom to pump much-needed dollars into hard hit communities, especially in regional areas.
“We would appeal to you to support local if you can and book on a tour to somewhere in Australia and Norfolk Island,” Mr Langley said, appreciative that many other local businesses have stuck by his family business.
“We do appreciate local travel agents and organizations as well as local individuals supporting us giving us a clear vision to the future in touring Australia.
“When booking with Langley’s you will be given the VIP treatment as normal from our friendly staff, and some of our touring vehicle are classed as probably the Ultimate in Touring vehicles in Australia – all manufactured in Australia.
Langley’s is facing up to the current challenges head on, looking to employ more staff such as heavy vehicle mechanics along with bus and coach drivers – a local company supporting locals.
