COMMERCIAL TRAVEL
Operto | March 21, 2023
Operto Guest Technologies, a leading provider of automated solutions for 50 million-plus rooms in the global hospitality industry, today announced that it secured US$25 million in a Series-B financing round. The financing was led by Centana Growth Partners, with participation from Thayer Ventures, FUSE, Blackpines Capital Partners and Derive Ventures.
Proceeds from the round will be used to further fuel Operto’s aggressive expansion in the global short-term rental and hotel markets, where it already works exclusively with Accor Hotels to power its global digital key program. This includes luxury hotel brands such Fairmont and Raffles, where Operto’s revolutionary contactless digital solutions can be leveraged to remove common friction points in the guest journey, while lowering operating costs and driving new sources of revenue for the hotel.
"We are delighted to announce our B-Round funding, which will enable us to build upon our exceptional company growth over the past 3 years. It will accelerate our company mission to build cutting-edge technology solutions that drive amazing guest experiences, across the entire accommodation spectrum. In addition, our solutions will continue to deliver huge operational efficiencies for property owners and hosts by lowering costs and driving additional in-stay guest revenues, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s macroeconomic environment,” said Operto CEO Steve Davis. “Hospitality is one of the last major industries to be disrupted by technology, and we believe there is a significant opportunity to bring the benefits of simple, affordable automation to the sector. We are excited about the future, and we look forward to making a real difference to the accommodation industry."
“Operto is leading the digital transformation of the hospitality industry by creating a seamless, automated check-in and check-out experience for its customers,” said Eric Byunn, co-founder and partner at Centana Growth Partners. “Centana has been following the digitization of the hospitality industry closely, and we are very excited about this sort of innovative disruption streamlining the experience of owners, hosts, and guests. We will leverage our expertise in the payments and commerce ecosystem to work with Operto as they continue to innovate in an industry with such enormous potential.”
In addition to the funding announcement, Operto is pleased to announce that Sam Shank has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Shank, who was previously CEO and founder of HotelTonight and former head of Airbnb’s Commercial Team, brings a wealth of hospitality and travel industry experience to Operto. "Operto's cutting-edge technology solutions are reshaping the hospitality industry, and I am excited to be a part of the journey,” said Shank. “I look forward to working with the team to help drive growth and innovation."
Operto’s automated, customizable platform enables hotels, property managers and others to remotely provide access as well as monitor and control a wide range of devices and systems, including smartphone-enabled guest verification, security deposit and payment, electronic elevator and room access. By providing property managers with real-time data and insights, Operto helps streamline operations, reduce costs and enhance the guest experience.
Operto Guest Technologies is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth and expansion into new markets. The company is committed to delivering innovative solutions that help property managers improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide a better experience for their guests.
About Operto Guest Technologies
Operto Guest Technologies is a Vancouver-based company that provides smart property automation solutions for the hotel and vacation rental sectors. Operto’s platform enables property owners and managers to remotely monitor and control their properties, enhancing the guest experience while improving operational efficiency. The company's solutions can integrate with existing property management software and are customizable to meet the unique needs of each property. Operto Guest Technologies' solutions have been adopted by property managers and owners in over 100-countries worldwide.
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TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY, AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
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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AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
Wisk | February 07, 2023
On February 6, 2023, Wisk Aero, a renowned advanced air mobility company, and the COMSEQ (South East Queensland Council of Mayors), the largest regional local government organization in Australia, published a paper detailing the benefits of advanced air mobility (AAM) for South East Queensland (SEQ). The two organizations entered a strategic partnership in July 2022 when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding. They continue to collaborate on events and outreach, highlighting AAM's advantages.
With the release of a rigorous and aspirational Opportunities Paper, Wisk and COMSEQ are beginning a new chapter in their partnership. The paper provides an overview of the developing AAM sector, the prospects for South East Queensland (SEQ), and the social, economic, and environmental advantages of introducing AAM to SEQ.
The paper also describes how AAM will become an integral part of SEQ's transportation network as the region seeks to address high-growth-related issues such as congestion, environmental sustainability, and rising demand for affordable and accessible flights.
COMSEQ and Wisk concur that the release of the Opportunities Paper: 'Bringing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Australia' highlights the critical importance of government and industry collaboration in making progress with AAM.
About Wisk
Wisk is an urban air mobility company committed to providing everyone with safe everyday flights. The company, a joint venture between The Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation, aims to shape the future of daily commutes and urban travel safely and sustainably. With more than a decade of piloted and unpiloted flight experience, it has developed Cora, an all-electric, autonomous air taxi. The Cora team is now the firm's foundation and is working towards a future in which commuters can safely fly above traffic and reach their destination more quickly. Wisk believes in a world where less time getting there means more time being there.
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