Flyr CEO Alex Mans released an intriguing new paradigm to how you can book your airline tickets. If true, this change would touch every corner of the travel world! A new study from Amadeus Insights examines some of the most important trends in travel technology investment. This transformation is not far behind those revelations. The analysis indicates that as much as 30% of airline revenue will be generated through NDC by this time next year. This perspective underscores how airlines are under pressure to transform faster than ever.
That’s a sentiment shared by more than one in five airlines surveyed for the report, which aspire to evolve into retailers. This change is now identified as one of their top three technology priorities. This change is a testament to the positive momentum building within the industry that recognizes traditional booking models are no longer the answer. In a bold move, Flyr has partnered with a Saudi Arabia-based carrier, which is poised to launch without the legacy Passenger Service Systems (PPS) technology that has long dominated the market.
Mans emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Riyadh Air will be the world’s first airline to actually get rid, or not even launch with, this legacy technology.” As a new airline, they’ve taken a digitally native approach. Ultimately, their priority is to make the booking process more seamless and customer experience more enjoyable from the very beginning.
Amadeus Insight’s report reveals the tangled web woven by today’s booking platforms. Mans told a nostalgic tale about his experiences while traveling all summer. It took making seven separate bookings, all the while showcasing the ridiculousness that is the traditional reservation system. This trip was somewhat unique with a mix of one-way tickets paired with return trips. There were times when travelers were on the same flight but needed different bookings.
Back in June, a family of five flew from Singapore to Texas with their 3-year-old. Later, the parent went back to Asia without their child. Such situations could be addressed in part by creating and offering more flexible booking options. As Mans noted, take advantage of flying in the business cabin, as you are paying for it with your company purchasing the ticket. Your family could be stuck in premium economy. You’d be hard pressed to do that today on a legacy reservation system. You’d have to make two bookings.
The groundbreaking model developed by Flyr and its partner airline is a significant step toward overcoming these challenges. Mans reiterated the importance of flexibility in modern air travel, stating, “There is nothing that you cannot do yourself.” Under this “traveler first” philosophy, travelers are empowered. It allows them to craft their own journeys, unimpeded by the limitations of an antiquated bureaucracy.