GlobeAir is pioneering private jet routes for online travel and hospitality platforms
While COVID-19 is still impacting the tourism industry, the private jet company GlobeAir is filling the gap left by airliners which are expected to operate only 40% (EUROcontrol) of their usual number by January 2021. The Austrian airline is pioneering the integration of preferred routes including London City-Amsterdam, Geneva-Paris and Munich-Hamburg into the Global Distribution System (GDS), powered by WorldTicket (WT).
"Just with the push of a button, we are providing a safer alternative for some of the most in-demand flight routes across Europe thanks to our flight availability and impeccable customer service." Bernhard Fragner, CEO GlobeAir.
To help travellers during the COVID-19 crisis, GlobeAir will be offering flights under the IATA airline code "W2" on more than 550,000 travel providers worldwide including Skyscanner, Expedia and Opodo.
"It was terrible to see the impact COVID-19 is having on our industry and airlines around the world. We are therefore extremely pleased to work with GlobeAir on this pioneering project and to be able to sell their flights through all leading GDS providers. The innovation that GlobeAir has brought so far is the same innovation that enabled us to develop this unique GDS distribution functionality. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership." Lasse Meilsoe, Group CEO
Despite the travel bans imposed in many countries around the world, it is still possible to get safely from A to B. Private jet flights are amongst the most reliable ways to get to one's destination. With specially designated terminals, fewer crowds, increased security procedures and full online check-in, business aviation puts biosecurity first, ensuring the highest safety standards at all times. In days when flying commercial exposes passengers to over 700 touchpoints, private jet flights can reduce that number to 20, and thus lower the probability of infection for travellers by 97%.
Peer Winter, VP Business Development at WorldTicket adds: "It is great to be part of this project in which both partners are setting new standards in the industry, despite the unforeseen challenges of a global pandemic. WorldTicket and GlobeAir have created a unique sales opportunity for travel agents and travellers. They will now have easy access to business charter flights directly in the GDS and do not have to interrupt or change their daily processes."
The GDS offers the perfect solution for GlobeAir to cater to the needs of travellers and travel management companies in a time when airliners cannot meet the needs of the market as they used to do in pre-COVID-19 times. By connecting over 550,000 travel agencies and offices worldwide, the GDS system is the perfect tool to open up the new GlobeAir routes to more travellers in need.
"Being listed on the GDS systems is an opportunity to meet the demand for alternative flight options due to the decline in commercial flight schedules and to fill the gap." Dieter Pammer, Director of Business Development GlobeAir
Around seven out of ten airline tickets are sold via GDS worldwide with Amadeus, Sabre, Worldspan and Galileo amongst the most famous affiliates. GlobeAir will take advantage of a centralised booking system which makes it easier to tap multiple channels at once without bearing any IT hassle. While business aviation will continue to be the preferred means of transport during the COVID-19 pandemic, GlobeAir is confident that it will reach more travellers in need of safe transport solutions around the world very soon.