FCM Travel, the global travel management division of Flight Centre Travel Group, has secured a landmark 10-year contract to oversee the entire travel programme of Arcadis, the leading global design and consultancy firm. The deal, estimated to be worth £450 million, will see FCM manage all corporate travel across Arcadis's 35,000 employees in more than 30 countries.
Scope of the Agreement
Under the terms of the contract, FCM Travel will provide comprehensive travel management services including booking, expense management, risk management, and data analytics. The agreement also encompasses a strong focus on sustainability, with both companies committing to reduce carbon emissions from business travel through greener transport options and offsetting initiatives.
Arcadis, which specialises in infrastructure, water, and environmental projects, will leverage FCM's advanced digital platform to streamline booking processes and gain real-time insights into travel spend and environmental impact. The platform will integrate with Arcadis's existing procurement and expense systems to offer a seamless user experience.
Strategic Partnership
According to a statement from FCM Travel, the partnership will enable Arcadis to enhance traveller wellbeing and safety while driving cost efficiencies. The company highlighted that the contract reflects a growing trend among multinational corporations to prioritise sustainable and technology-driven travel solutions.
"We are thrilled to partner with Arcadis and support their ambitious sustainability goals," said Bertalk Le Roux, Chief Executive Officer of FCM Travel. "Our innovative travel management solutions will help Arcadis reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience for all employees."
Impact on Birmingham Operations
While Arcadis has a significant presence in Birmingham, with its UK headquarters located in the city's business district, the contract is global in nature. The Birmingham office is expected to benefit from improved travel coordination and sustainability reporting, aligning with the city's own net-zero ambitions.
"This contract is a testament to our commitment to sustainable business practices," added John Chilton, Global Procurement Director at Arcadis. "Working with FCM, we will transform our travel programme to be more responsible and efficient, supporting our overall environmental strategy."
Industry Context
The travel management sector has seen a shift towards longer-term partnerships as companies seek stability and expertise in navigating post-pandemic travel complexities. FCM's win signals confidence in its ability to handle large-scale corporate accounts with complex global demands. The contract also underscores the importance of sustainability as a procurement criterion, with Arcadis insisting on robust carbon measurement and reduction plans.
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, but industry analysts estimate the value at around £450 million over the 10-year period, based on Arcadis's travel spend. The contract is effective immediately, with full integration expected over the next 12 months.
