Business Model Innovation Is the Hottest Thing in Online Travel
Skift Take
Dennis' Online Travel Briefing
Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Executive Editor and online travel rockstar Dennis Schaal will bring readers exclusive reporting and insight into the business of online travel and digital booking, and how this sector has an impact across the travel industry.One of the most interesting developments in online travel these days is companies overturning existing business models with AirAsia, eDreams Odigeo, and Hopper leading these efforts.
These three aren't the only ones changing the ways travel companies have traditionally conducted business online, but they provide interesting test cases.
Airlines have traditionally made their money selling flights, entering into lucrative deals with credit card companies, and charging for extras such as bag fees.
Whether it succeeds or not, Capital A, which operates AirAsia, now can boast that the Malaysia-based airline group's superapp has more than 10 million monthly active users, and among the twists, AirAsia is now selling flights through its app from other airlines, such as Singapore Airlines.
As a way to expand its network and revenue stream, AirAsia partnered with Czech Republic-based Kiwi.com to offer customers tickets on other airlines. AirAsia calls the offering FlyBeyo
