Words & Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
Photographer: Ziga Mihelcic
Fashion Editor: Camille Macawili
Makeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG
Model: Kristina Stojanovic at MMG
Welcome to The Horology Issue.
For the cover, we have partnered with Blacklane, a luxury brand synonymous with a top-tier approach to saving time, with a dedicated team of professional Academy-trained chauffeurs that allow you to maximise your travel time.
Blacklane’s Chauffeur Service delivers an unparalleled ride experience so you can optimize your travel time.
You are the first all- electric fleet Chauffer service. Can you expand on this initiative and why it was so key to be sustainable?
At Blacklane, we understand the significance of creating a sustainable future for generations to come. Our all-electric fleet in Dubai is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. We aim to make a positive impact by setting an example for others in the industry to follow, joining us in our mission towards sustainability. Since 2017, we have been offsetting carbon emissions, and in 2021, we went further by offsetting our remaining emissions from our inception. The next logical step was to reduce emissions altogether which is reflected by our transition to an all-electric fleet, this move also brings us one step closer to achieving our goal of becoming a net zero company by 2040.
Blacklane is a luxury brand. What are the key signifiers for you of luxury?
We pride ourselves on delivering a luxurious experience that sets us apart from other transportation options. We believe that certain signifiers such as comfort, convenience, and professionalism, are essential to our guests and our brand. We place a strong emphasis on attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of our guest’s rides is carefully considered and executed to perfection. Our chauffeurs are meticulously trained to provide a seamless and safe experience for our guests. From the cleanliness of the vehicle to the in-car amenities and features, we go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Guests can indulge in a variety of in-car amenities, such as choosing your own playlist, sipping on still or sparkling water, and even enjoying a massage in a cool-air ventilated seat. We believe that these small touches make a big difference, ensuring that the journey with us is not only comfortable but also enjoyable. Quality is another important signifier. We believe that our clients deserve the best, which is why we offer a fleet of premium vehicles that are well-maintained and equipped with the latest technology, included HEPA filtered cabins that remove fine particles and other pollutants from the air inside the car, ensuring our guests breathe clean, fresh air throughout their journey. We also understand that convenience is key and with our app, guests can select from our on-demand or pre-scheduled service, ensuring that they have the flexibility to book a ride that works best for them. We understand that unexpected delays can happen, which is why every booking comes with a complimentary 15-minute wait time, for airport pickups, we go the extra mile by offering a 60-minute complimentary wait time with a meet and greet service.
What is the core DNA of the brand?
At the heart of our brand, Blacklane is driven by a mission to create true peace of mind today for a better tomorrow. Through our commitment to delivering perfect experiences around the world, we seek to inspire a brighter future that is sustainable, socially responsible, and economically sound. Our core DNA is built around providing a seamless, premium travel experience that is tailored to individual needs. Our commitment to excellence, reliability, and professionalism is at the forefront of everything we do, ensuring that every journey with Blacklane is a memorable one.
You train all Chauffeur’s in the Academy- can you tell us what this involves?
Our chauffeurs are the backbone of our service. Their comprehensive training through the Blacklane Chauffeur Academy is essential in delivering unparalleled experiences to our clients. The Academy ensures that our chauffeurs are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to create seamless and memorable travel experiences. The program covers a diverse range of topics, from professional driving techniques, safety procedures, customer service, communication skills, navigation and route planning, vehicle maintenance and upkeep, to etiquette and discretion. Our training program, developed by global experts and conducted by experienced instructors, guarantees that our chauffeurs are always up to date on industry best practices.
You have the option to have a female Chauffeur- is this popular with female clients in the region?
We recognize the importance of personalization when it comes to delivering an exceptional ride experience and understand that our clients come from diverse backgrounds and have unique preferences, which is why we offer a range of options to better meet their needs. For instance, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests who have opted for our female chauffeurs and we’re proud to offer this option to ensure that every aspect of the travel experience is tailored to their preferences.
Time is precious. How does this service allow its clients to optimize their time?
Time is one of our most valuable commodities, and we’re dedicated to providing a service that optimizes every moment of our guest’s travel experience. Imagine being able to work on a crucial project, make an important call, catch up on some reading, or simply relax in a massage seat during your daily commute. Our easy-to-use app enables quick and hassle-free bookings, while our commitment to punctuality ensures that you’ll arrive at your destination on time.
As well as advance booking trips you can book a car by the hour- has this been a popular feature to date?
Our hourly booking option resonates deeply with the discerning clientele who value adaptability and the freedom to dictate their own schedules. This sought-after feature offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing our guests to travel the city at their leisure, enjoying the convenience of a dedicated chauffeur and a luxurious vehicle especially as temperatures rise. Our emphasis on personalization and timesaving ensures that we can cater to the needs of our guests, whenever and wherever they need us.
You can now download the app from the iOS store here.
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