![]() |
![]() |
|
What was originally the A40 service along the A40 to Uxbridge and across to Heathrow became Flightline in 2024. The service had become 102 as part of the "Chiltern Hundreds" services east of Wycombe and diverted into Beaconsfield town. Seven former Oxford Brookes University Alexander Dennis Enviro400MMC buses were transferred to Carousel for Flightline 102. This was the first to arrive in May 2024, 609 (PS64OXF) seen in Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield. These were amongst the first of the Enviro400MMC model to enter service back in 2014. Besides the obvious livery change the buses had been refurbished inside with additional luggage space and airline graphics. Despite their best efforts, the outline of the Oxford Brookes University window graphics are still visible in places. The livery is obviously based on that used by Green Line and adapted by Reading Buses for its London Line and Heathrow Flightline services supported by the British Airports Authority. The brand is being extended to other airport services supported by BAA and operated by White Bus.
Picture ref D6184 |
![]() |
|
The attraction of the top deck front seats is obvious but the first nearside seat affords great views and is close to the luggage racks.
Picture ref P7117 |
![]() |
|
Enviro400MMC 609 was an imposing sight in Wycombe and stood out from the Citaros previously widely used on the 102. It is seen here turning from Castle Street into Corporation Street.
Picture ref D6187 |
![]() |
|
Still in May 609 is seen again in Belmont Road, Uxbridge having just dropped most of its passengers before continuing to the Airport. It seems that TfL has dropped its objections to the service carrying local paseengers within its area, but it still has problems including non-TfL services on passenger information displays around Uxbridge Station.
Picture ref P7300-2 |
![]() |
|
The second Flightline bus was 614 (GH64OXF) which was displayed with short Enviro200MMC 514 (YX70OLO) at the Bucks Railway Centre SHOWBUS in September 2024.
Picture ref D6184 |
![]() |
|
Here is 614 arriving at Quainton that day. Note the "Carousel Country" logo above the cab window.
Picture ref 24-614 |
![]() |
|
Another view of 614 at SHOWBUS with 512 hidden behind.
Picture ref D7789 |
![]() |
|
The following month Carousel mounted a publicity event in the centre of High Wycombe with Enviro200MMC 80471 (YW68OWA), ex First Glasgow 44679 and recently arrived Flightline 612 (GA64OXF). The Enviro200MMC was one of several buses acquired or transferred to Carousel after they took over Arriva's services following their Wycombe depot closure. This was an opportunity to introduce the public to the new network and promote the enhanced Flightline service which was not only receiving increasing numbers of green doubledeckers but its daytime frequency was doubled to half hourly and hours of operation extended beyond midnight and even an 0245 from Wycombe before getting into the daytime frequency with an 0415 departure.
Picture ref D6184 |
![]() |
|
Turning into Corporation Street on a damp evening in October 2024 is Flightline 608 (RW64OXF).
Picture ref D6184 |
![]() |
|
Opposite Wycombe Rye two Enviros meet, heading to Heathrow is a green Flightline and heading into town an Enviro400 bodied Scania N230UD still in Thames Travel Connector livery in April 2025.
Picture ref P9738 |
![]() |
|
Things do not always go as planned and Flightline 609, now 80609, had broken down at Loudwater on route to Heathrow in June 2025. The scene is viewed from the Flightline thirty minutes behind! up front is Enviro400 bodied Scania N230UD 80221 (KF10OXF) in an advert wrap for GWR. The bus had been despatched to rescue passengers on 80609. Interestingly it was next seen at Uxbridge in service back to Wycombe, probably not seeing Heathrow on its rescue mission.
Picture ref P9978 |
![]() |
|
Seen passing through Beaconsfield later in June was 80611 (LN64OXF).
Picture ref P30 |
![]() |
|
Having just dropped passengers in Uxbridge that June is 80608, again.
Picture ref D8425 |
![]() |
|
The following month, a fully recovered 80609 is seen with the mock Emirates A380 behind. leaving the Heathrow tunnel for High Wycombe.
Picture ref D8565 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |