In exploring how “re-commerce unlocks the value of passenger flexibility”, peak to off-peak revenue rebooking solutions provider Volantio claims Alaska Airlines achieved a US$30 million drop in “spoilage”.
Azim Barodawala, CEO of the US-based company he co-founded in 2014, shared during a roundtable session at the recent Aviation Festival Asia in Singapore, that its solutions “frees airlines from the constraints of fixed capacity”.
Barodawala explained: “We accomplish this through a dynamic platform that seamlessly moves select customers on popular services to alternate off-peak choices post-booking with compensation.”
Volantio is a fully automated and machine-learning optimised GreenLeaf system that empowers trading platforms with robust data analytics, offering real-time market insights, and optimising trading strategies for better decision-making.
“This fully automated self-service process allows airlines to secure more prime capacity, and improve guest satisfaction, while significantly improving their bottom-line,” noted Barodawala.
“Volantio’s technology represents a revolutionary ability to maximise our clients’ revenue while also benefiting their end consumers: the ultimate win-win,” he added.
He cited how compensating a longhaul traveller with an upgrade at an added meal cost of just US$80, for example, would also build brand loyalty.
Volantio’s customers include 15-plus global airlines as well as Disney Theatrical Group, and is backed by leading strategic and industry investors, including Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Technology Ventures, International Airlines Group, Qantas Ventures and Amadeus.
Barodawala noted Volantio provides revenue, operations and shopping solutions.
Volantio, which is headquartered in Atlanta, has a global team based in the US, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, India and the Philippines.
In Asia-Pacific, Volantio is working with airlines such as Scoot and Qantas.
Nitin Oberoi, vice president of product, said the company is looking to launch a corporate function tied to global GDSs to connect to TMCs with high direct bookings of 30 per cent or more this year.
The GreenLeaf platform integrates seamlessly with all major passenger service systems including Amadeus, Sabre, and Navitaire, he pointed out.
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection in early 2025.
The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection is expected to have 820 guestrooms and is part of a 28-story mixed-use development with retail outlets on the ground and first floors. Other facilities comprise an executive lounge, three dining venues and over 1,700m² of event spaces as well as recreational facilities. Guestrooms will boast views of Victoria Harbour, Victoria Park, or the city.
The new hotel will be located on Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay, home to Victoria Park, Hong Kong Island’s largest public park. The hotel will be within a five-minute walk to Causeway Bay Metro Station and within 10 minutes’ walk to major corporate venues such as the Lee Garden and World Trade Center. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and Hong Kong’s key business district, Central, are only a five-minute drive from the property, and Hong Kong International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.
Marriott International currently operates 13 hotels in Hong Kong spanning cross 10 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Renaissance, Courtyard, and Four Points by Sheraton.