American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has
acquired the artificial intelligence and messaging platform 30SecondsToFly for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition will enhance the live chat
experience in the Amex GBT Mobile App and Apple Business Chat as well as
allowing travellers to initiate automated servicing requests from their chosen messaging
service. The technology will be integrated into GBT’s services over the coming
months. The automated service will complement the service already offered by
the TMC’s network of travel consultants.
The company said the acquisition would “enhance the
travel experience for GBT’s clients’ travellers by increasing the number of
service options available to them throughout the trip lifecycle”.
GBT’s director of new business ventures, Gabriel
Ayache, said: “Many business travellers want the speed and convenience of
self-service. But they also take comfort in knowing that teams of travel
counsellors are always there to have their backs. 30SecondsToFly has developed
a ground-breaking experience for both travellers and travel counsellors that
will optimize the GBT service experience and enhance our messaging
capabilities.”
Riccardo Vittoria, CEO of 30SecondsToFly, added:
“We believe that intelligent chat is the new standard for corporate travel
service. We are very proud to help drive this at scale for GBT and thrilled to
be joining the global leader in business travel.”
Flight Centre
travel group was an early investor in 30SecondsToFly, which was founded in 2016, and the travel company had
a two-year
exclusive deal from March 2019 to use the start-up’s Claire booking
technology in the global TMC category.