Smartair Raises $6 Million for Dynamic Packaging Tech: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Skift | August 30, 2019

This week, travel startups announced more than $46 million in funding.We reported on Thursday that Mews Systems had raised a $33 million Series B round led by Battery Ventures.Smartair, a search engine for flights and vacation packages, has raised a $6 million Series A round.Travel agency Talma Travel and Tours led the round along with Alpha Capital.Smartair and Talma plan to create a company that helps run and market tourism websites in Israel and overseas, using the system built by Smartair. The startup lets travelers put together flights and hotels via so-called dynamic packaging.In Africa, Smartair wants to accelerate the move from traditional retail travel agencies to online travel services. It’s setting up websites led by locals, replicating a model it has used in some Middle Eastern countries.

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RDU passengers can now confirm their identities with eyes or fingers.

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RDU passengers can now confirm their identities with eyes or fingers.

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY, AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

ATP Adds New Features to Aviation Software Platform, Flightdocs Operations

ATP | January 20, 2023

On January 19, 2023, ATP, which offers information services and software solutions to the aviation industry, informed that it is planning to introduce a new set of features to its Flightdocs Operations software platform. The revamped product ensures smooth flight scheduling and trip planning using improved communication features that optimize data flow. The updates will be part of the new product showcase at NBAA's Schedulers and Dispatcher Conference in Nashville (Tennessee) from January 24 to 26, 2023. Flightdocs Operations provides flight operations management software to schedulers and dispatchers that utilizes real-time data and resource availability. The platform allows users to manage crew, create trips, and communicate with team members from a single, up-to-date calendar view. ATP ensures that passengers' personally identifying information is kept private and safe by using strong data and software controls. It is also fully cloud-based and ISO-certified. The native mobile solution, available as an iOS app, also works offline. This lets end users, who are frequently on the road, such as crews and pilots, sign in and complete electronic flight logs in locations without internet connectivity. Mike Profit, COO of ATP, shares, "The unique aspect about this groundbreaking tool is that it's one of the first and only cloud-based web applications on the market for flight operations and scheduling that is fully integrated with a maintenance tracking platform." He adds, "With this product, we are breaking down silos between maintenance and flight operations departments to eliminate any miscommunication between the two and improving operating efficiency in order to maximize aircraft uptime." (Source – Business Wire) Meanwhile, the Flightdocs Operations program will be exhibited at the conference at Booth 227. About ATP California-basedATP is the premier provider of software and information services in the aviation industry, serving over 75,000 aircraft maintenance personnel and 7,500 customers. The company provides a technology platform that increases flight uptime by helping manage everything, from operations and maintenance to diagnostics and manuals. As a result, thousands of aircraft operators use ATP, including 25% of the global commercial fleet and over 100 OEMs, while its customers have seen an average 23% decrease in downtime costs.

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY, AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

Breeze Airways as Launch Customer for Staqpay

Breeze Airways | February 10, 2023

On February 09, 2023, Breeze Airways, a domestic airline, announced that it now works as a launch customer for Staqpay, an incentive-based online checkout platform, to offer additional rewards over payments with brands that customers desire. This mutually beneficial online payment platform will reward Breeze customers with more than 50% BreezePoints on the base fare by selecting StaqPay, whether through ACH, credit, debit, or cryptocurrency, at checkout. In addition, it also benefits the merchants by saving them a considerable amount of money compared to any other typical payment processor. StaqPay is a financial technology company offering digital payment solutions and money transfers within money collection services, disbursements, and e-wallets. It has the support of institutional investors like Pelion Venture Partners, Peterson Ventures, and Kickstart Seed Fund and the license of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Breeze Chief Commercial Officer, Lukas Johnson, said, "This is just a nice solution all the way around because it gives us the ability to reward our Guests while saving Breeze money on merchant fees. By helping reduce costs, StaqPay is supporting us in our mission of providing our special brand of high-flex, low-fare service. It's truly a win-win." (Source – Business Wire) StaqPay President and Chief Technology Officer Dee Evans said, "I can't think of a better launch customer for StaqPay than Breeze. Just as Breeze disrupted its industry by creating an entirely new category of air travel, StaqPay is similarly disrupting the online payments world by offering a new and innovative solution built to benefit both businesses and their customers." (Source – Business Wire) About Breeze Airways Breeze Airways, an airline and aviation company, offers flights over about 121 nonstop routes between approximately 35 cities in 20 states. Since 2021, it has provided low-cost flights between secondary airports while avoiding hubs for faster travel. In addition, it gives booking, no change or cancellation fees, and about 24 months of redeemable flight credits with complimentary family seating through simple application interactions. It was named the second-best domestic airline in the United States by "Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards." It operates a fleet of Airbus A220-300 and Embraer 190/195 aircraft. Aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman founded it in Salt Lake City, Utah

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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY,AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS

Priceline Forms Strategic Alliance with British Airways and Iberia

Priceline | January 02, 2023

Priceline, a leading online travel agency in North America, announced an NDC agreement with British Airways and Iberia, part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). Through the new distribution capability (NDC) partnership, Priceline customers will have access to the airline group's full fares and other services, such as choosing their seats and having their bags checked. Priceline is excited to expand its valued partnership with IAG. The company said that its new connections to British Airways and Iberia would help it fulfill its mission of giving customers the best travel deals, whether traveling within the United States or to another country. Iberia says the agreement with Priceline is a great chance to grow its partnership with one of the best travel agencies in North America through the NDC channel. Also, it will help the company reach a larger audience with Iberia's and British Airways products and the benefits of this model. British Airways is happy about this announcement with Priceline and the great work they do to ensure their customers can use the NDC content and features, such as more price points and better self-service features. Priceline's parent company, Booking Holdings, is also a part of the new strategic partnership. It includes Agoda, which continues to improve its flight and connected trip offerings in the Asia-Pacific region. About Priceline Booking Holdings' subsidiary Priceline is a well-known start-up that combines cutting-edge technology with a meaningful mission. It gives its customers quick and easy access to the best deals on hotel rooms, flights, rental cars, vacation packages, and cruises so they can be present for the most critical moments.

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