T26-075CRO City of Derry to London Public Service Obligation (PSO) Air Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what the Council is really buying
At first glance, this tender is about operating an air service from City of Derry Airport to a London airport.
But there's more to it.
What Derry City and Strabane District Council really wants is reliable connectivity to London.
To enhance business, tourism and community links.
The contract covers air transport services from the City of Derry Airport to any qualifying London airport that meets the Department for Transport's criteria.
The service must run smoothly, consistently and deliver value over the contract term.
Don't just focus on the mechanics
Most bidders will concentrate on the obvious.
Aircraft capacity, flight frequency and ticketing systems.
Yes, those are important.
But if I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking beyond the mechanics.
How will you ensure consistent on-time performance?
What measures will you have in place for passenger comfort and safety?
That's what will set your bid apart.
Pay attention to what they say
The Council has highlighted a specific point.
They want more than one option of a London airport.
With separate cost estimates for each.
This means they're interested in flexibility.
And they're considering the added value of hub access.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how each airport option provides strategic benefits.
Not just the cost.
Consider the end user's perspective
Passengers want reliability and convenience.
Think about what a traveller values.
Efficient check-in processes.
Timely departures and arrivals.
Clear communication in case of delays.
I'd address how my service delivers on these fronts.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- On-time performance statistics
- Passenger satisfaction surveys
- Case studies from similar routes
- Testimonials from airport authorities or passengers
Manage the operational risk
Air services have inherent risks.
Slot availability is a big one here.
The Council has clearly stated that slots must be acquired through the regular process.
They won't be ring-fenced by the Government.
I'd lay out a detailed plan for slot acquisition.
And contingency plans if preferred slots aren't available.
Show how you'll maintain standards over the long term
This isn't just a two-year contract.
It's potentially a four-year commitment if extended.
Consistency is key.
How will you handle staff training and retention?
What processes ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations?
I'd want to see exactly what happens when someone calls in sick.
Or when there's a sudden spike in passenger numbers.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Ultimately, this service is about people.
Business travellers, tourists and local residents.
Every decision should come back to how it impacts them.
I'd ask, "Does this make the journey better for our passengers?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on cost without considering added value
- Fail to provide multiple London airport options
- Overlook the importance of slot acquisition planning
- Ignore passenger experience improvements
- Neglect evidence of past performance
- Assume Government will provide slot support
- Overpromise without a clear delivery plan
- Don't address long-term service consistency
My Final Thoughts
Derry City and Strabane District Council isn't just looking for an airline.
They're seeking a partner to deliver consistent, reliable air services.
The contract's value is significant at £7,200,000.
And the potential four-year duration means long-term consistency is essential.
Quality in service delivery will be crucial.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.