WORLD TRAVEL MARKET (WTM) is looking to increase content and opportunities for the corporate sector. Its executive networking group, the Meridian Club, held a private dinner for senior industry figures, including bosses of consortia, airlines and TMCs, to talk about the key issues facing the sector, and how WTM could best serve their needs.
Among topics discussed were the prospect of “unmanaged” business
travel – online deals driving a move towards allowing corporate travelers to book trips within a defined budget, rather than restricting them to preferred suppliers. One delegate observed that the federal government in the US was starting to adopt this approach. Many agreed the request for proposal (RFP) process needed a
radical overhaul to become streamlined and simplified, possibly using a standardised template. Other topics included social media and the impact of aviation taxes. WTM said it welcomed suggestions as to the best ways of providing further networking opportunities for the business travel community in 2012.
EGENCIA ACQUIRES TRAVELDOO
TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY EGENCIA has bought online booking agency Traveldoo. Egencia senior vice-president Christophe Peymirat said the acquisition of the self-booking tool is part of a “multi-brand” expansion strategy. He said Egencia and Traveldoo would remain as separate
brands, and may even compete in some circumstances. “We aim to accelerate our growth through servicing the business travel market through a different angle,” he said. Traveldoo offers web and mobile platforms for booking business
travel. It will focus on large companies with high volumes of bookings. Egencia, meanwhile will continue providing travel management services for all sizes of companies. “When we look at what Egencia has been doing over the past 10
years, we have been good at selling an integrated model to small and medium corporations, and some large accounts,” said Peymirat. “But a number of very large companies still wish to buy in an unbundled way – to buy service on one side and technology on the other side. That’s the reason why we are buying Traveldoo. “The acquisition will really enable us to address the requirements
of companies that want technology only. Although we believe that the integrated model brings a lot of benefits in terms of efficiency and quality of service, some customers still want to do their own jigsaw.” Peymirat also said the UK market should expect to see more from
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Traveldoo in the near future. While it is relatively unknown in the UK at the moment, he said, it is one of the key players in France, and would be seeking to grow its business across the channel. Egencia also remains on the acquisition path, said Peymirat, with a focus on key markets where it is not yet represented. “Acquisition for us is mainly a way to enter new geographies and ramp up our commercial presence,” he said. “There might be more to come, but it’s not a must.”
Christophe Peymirat
Etihad takes largest stake in Air Berlin
AIR BERLIN IS LAUNCHING FLIGHTS from Berlin to Abu Dhabi this month after signing a deal with Etihad Airways. The agreement sees the Abu Dhabi-based carrier become the largest shareholder in Air Berlin, with a 29 per cent stake. Etihad is also providing financing of up to $255 million over five years to help grow the German airline’s fleet and network development. Air Berlin, which is the second largest carrier in Germany,
announced it was cutting its fleet by 10 per cent in September. This followed CEO Joachim Hunold stepping down in August after 20 years running the airline. As part of the Etihad deal, Air Berlin begins operating four-weekly Airbus A330 flights between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from January 12. Air Berlin is also moving its Middle East operation from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. The two airlines will implement a codeshare agreement with Etihad codesharing on 36 of 171 Air Berlin flights, and the German carrier codesharing on 24 of 82 of Etihad’s destinations. Etihad CEO James Hogan said: “This new partnership expands our
network reach, gives us access to 33 million new passengers, and provides us with a real opportunity for global growth. “Through Air Berlin, we gain immediate access to a broad and
complementary European market, with outstanding connectivity options for customers of both airlines.” Air Berlin boss Hartmut Mehdorn added: “The partnership with
Etihad opens up enormous opportunities for the future of our company. One of the key components of the new partnership is the launch of Air Berlin services to Abu Dhabi, which will become our new gateway to Asia and Australia.”
Amadeus appoints new UK boss
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY FIRM Amadeus has appointed Diane Bouzebiba (right) as its UK and Ireland managing director. Bouzebiba has worked for Amadeus for 10 years, most recently based in Nice as head of the Amadeus Rail Business Unit. n For more key appointments, see Movers & Shakers, p118