
A local entrepreneur has turned a gap in the travel market into a global success story, securing a multi-million-pound investment to expand his taxi empire from Bedfordshire to the Middle East.
Wajid Hussain, 46, founder of First Airport Taxis, transitioned from a career as an IT developer to a business mogul after identifying chronic reliability issues at Luton Airport.
Since launching in 2016, Hussain has built a tech-driven solution that now employs 80 full-time drivers across all major London hubs.
Hussain’s journey began when he noticed the frustrations of frequent flyers. "There's uncertainty in airport transfers, like no flight monitoring, unsuitable vehicles that passengers get," he explained.
Leveraging his background in software development, he spent years refining a platform designed to eliminate these pain points. “We started building a system in 2016, which can accommodate all these problems. We basically created a solution, and we keep on building this technology."
The company uses flight tracking and real-time communication to cut down passenger waiting times, especially for business travellers.
They have also focused on employing drivers with ‘expert knowledge’ of the airports.
The company's edge lies in its "expert knowledge" and high-tech communication, recently pivoting to meet modern demands. “Airport travellers are very, very informed, and they want us to be too. For example, we recently invested in WhatsApp communication, and we started giving notifications there," Hussain said.
The business has now transcended UK borders, targeting the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The move was prompted by Hussain’s own struggles abroad, noting: “I have to travel a lot in the Middle East, so I didn't find any reliable transport there."
This international ambition has been validated by a "£2.5 million Saudi investment" earmarked for technology and operations in the region.
Despite surviving the "major challenges" of the pandemic through personal sacrifice, Hussain remains a vocal advocate for the economic potential of his home town.
He believes the secret to success is simplicity and persistence.
"It’s very hard to start your business, but you should have a unique idea. Find a problem and build a solution. That’s the key," he said.
Encouraging other Luton residents to take the leap, he added: "I've seen there are so many gaps in Luton, they can start new businesses in Luton. There are so many opportunities."

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