Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the country’s largest rental car company with over 360 UK branches, today revealed over 50 percent growth in its UK airport business over the summer. This follows Enterprise’s first foray into partnership with major travel and leisure brands like Expedia and Easycar.

With increasing demand from customers for airport locations over recent years, Enterprise has developed its on-site airport business to complement its local branch strategy, based around putting rental locations close to its customers. In fact, its extensive network means there is a branch within five miles of three-quarters of the UK population.

In addition, Enterprise now operates 13 fully-owned branches at UK airports, including a brand-new, state-of-the-art rental operation at Heathrow. This site has just won BAA’s Attention to Detail (A2D) award, beating all other rental providers at Heathrow for quality of service.

2011 also marked the first year for Enterprise’s specific inbound leisure market strategy, partnering with travel and leisure brands such as Expedia, AutoEurope, Easycar and TravelJigsaw. The intention is to provide even more car hire options for business, holidaymakers and leisure travellers to the UK.

Ben Lawson, assistant vice president of rental at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, comments: “Our business is based on having branches close to our customers and providing a convenient and flexible rental option. But as an international brand it’s equally important that we offer the same level of service to inbound business and leisure customers, particularly from North America and EMEA.

“Working with partners like Expedia, and ensuring comprehensive airport coverage, has enabled us to provide an even better service to these customers. The UK remains a popular destination for holidays and this is set to continue as we rapidly approach the 2012 London Olympics.