A deal was unveiled yesterday between Asian low-cost airline AirAsia and Plusgrade, to allow customers to bid for seating upgrades and reservations.
The arrangement was announced yesterday in Singapore at Aviation Festival Asia, the largest aviation tech event in Asia.
The new arrangement and traveller’s expectations
Plusgrade is a provider of ancillary revenue solutions for the global travel industry, and the extensive partnership will soon allow AirAsia customers to bid for upgrades and reserve the seat(s) beside them for extra space and comfort.
With the relaxation of the remaining travel restrictions in the Asia-Pacific region in early 2023, travel industry recovery is well underway.
Today’s air travellers are looking for streamlined travel experiences with a focus on comfort and innovative services to improve their journeys.
For consumers, ancillary services such as upgrades or the ability to reserve open seats beside them on their flight can make travel more enjoyable, giving them room to stretch out and relax, or enabling them to experience premium products and services that might otherwise be out of reach.
“We are thrilled to join forces with AirAsia to support them in driving meaningful ancillary revenue through incredible traveler experiences,” said Plusgrade CEO, Ken Harris.
“We look forward to supporting AirAsia as they continue to innovate and develop new products and services for their customers, and to expanding our footprint in the thriving APAC region.”
Ms Karen Chan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at AirAsia added: “This collaboration will enable us to offer more passengers the chance to access our premium products and services, such as our award-winning premium flatbeds or hot seats with extra legroom.”
“We are confident that our guests will love this innovative and seamless way to enhance their travel experience.”
About AirAsia
AirAsia is a leading global low-cost airline, flying to more than 130 destinations in the region and beyond. Founded in 2001, the airline has now flown close to a billion passengers.
With the resumption of travel worldwide, AirAsia has gradually reinstated flights for many of its popular routes whilst launching new ones.
Throughout its two decades of service, the airline has connected people and places, and has largely been credited for democratising affordable air travel in the region with its now famous tagline “Now Everyone Can Fly”.
About Plusgrade
Plusgrade powers the global travel industry with its portfolio of leading ancillary revenue solutions. Over 200 airline, hospitality, cruise, passenger rail, and financial services companies work with Plusgrade to create new revenue streams through positive customer experiences.
Plusgrade was founded in 2009 with headquarters in Montreal and has offices around the world.
Summary
Air travellers are becoming somewhat more discriminating with respect to online selection of air travel and ticketing. The provision of additional options to allow customers to score ‘comfort’ upgrades like seating upgrading and reservation of additional ‘space’ will likely be very well received by potential passengers.
