1940´s: Alex Hedman Deras, an enterprising young man full of entrepreneurial dreams, starts the first public bus transport service in Honduras, with a Baronesa bus called “Hedman Express”. As the Honduran government builds the road network westward from San Pedro Sula, Hedman follows, providing service to Callejones, Santa Barbara, and Santa Rosa de Copán, among others. Often the service is seasonal only, as the dirt roads are impassable during the rainy season

1950’s: In 1952, Alex Hedman initiates the first public bus transport service between the two major cities of Honduras, San Pedro Sula and the capital of Tegucigalpa. The “Hedman Alas” company is formed. The company buys another Baronesa bus, and initiates the then novel concept in Honduras of advance ticket sales. We quickly develop a reputation for reliable, comfortable service, modern buses and a serious, honest attitude towards business. Our financial sponsors often forgo loan repayment, and instead encourage more growth. In 1958, Hedman Alas buys Ford 350 buses, with 20-person capacity, introducing the luxury of upright, padded seats.

1960’s: In 1962, we acquire three Chevrolet Blue Bird buses, bringing to Honduras for the first time the comfort of reclining Pullman seats. During this time, Hedman also starts offering breakfast and lunch en route. In 1969, the company opens the European style luxury Hotel Hedman Alas, in Tegucigalpa, to add to the comfort of travelers from San Pedro Sula.

1970’s: During the 70’s we continue to innovate and expand. In 1971, we acquire Blue Bird flat-nose buses toimprove the service between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. In 1972, with financing provided by Pan American Life, Hedman Alas opens the first bus terminal in Honduras, in downtown San Pedro Sula. A year later, we open a terminal in the capital itself. During the presidency of Oswaldo Lopez Arellano, the road between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa is paved, drastically reducing travel time and wear-and-tear on the buses. Also during this period Hedman introduces discount fares for university students who study in the capital, but wish to return home to San Pedro Sula for the weekend. Immensely popular at the time, this strategy builds a lifelong loyalty to the Hedman Alas brand among the educated elite of Honduras.

1980’s: In 1981, the company expands its fleet with more Blue Bird and All American buses, with 40-person capacity and Caterpillar or Cummins engines. This modernized fleet opens new routes and adds greatly to the number of daily departures. In 1984, we convert the entire fleet to modern Thomas Built buses, with rearengines and comfortable suspension.

1990’s: In 1991, Alex Hedman, in an effort to further burnish the brand of Hedman Alas as the luxury choice in Honduras, introduces Executive Service between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. This service offers three daily departures, and is designed for professionals and businesspeople. It proves an instant hit.

2000: We obtain financing to completely renovate our fleet with modern Mercedez Benz buses.

2001: Hedman Alas initiates service to the principal tourist destinations in Honduras, Copán Ruinas (home of the renowned Maya ruins) and La Ceiba (gateway to the popular Bay Islands of Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja). The new service unlocks an untapped demand among tourists for safe, luxury land transport, and is an immediate success.

2002: Our 50th anniversary year. Building on the popularity of luxury service to tourists within Honduras, we initiate our first international route, to Guatemala City. Again, the demand proves very strong, despite a miserable worldwide climate for travel. Moreover, this new service provides the first luxury link for businesspeople between the major commercial cities of the region, San Pedro City and Guatemala City.

2003: In July, we extend our Guatemalan service to the popular colonial city of Antigua. In August, we inaugurate service to the charming Honduran beach town of Tela, as well as the international airport in San Pedro Sula. One of the most popular Central American trips for North American and European tourists is to visit the Bay Islands, the Maya ruins of Copán, and Antigua, Guatemala. Now the land transportation for that entire itinerary can be accessed by one reliable, luxury bus service: Hedman Alas. Later this year we will launch the Honduras Pass, to offer tourists unlimited travel for a specified period.