Recently, American and Southwest Airlines unveiled plans to upgrade corporate travel to lock in profitable business travelers, which was announced on Monday at the Global Business Travel Association 2019 Convention in Chicago. The announcement comes just two years after Southwest laid down the foundation to accommodate the increase in the number of corporate travelers.
The Dallas-based company renamed its Southwest corporate travel program Southwest Business and includes features that will give corporate travel managers the ability to “book, change, and modify reservations through Travelport’s global distribution systems (GDS) and the Amadeus Travel Platform.”[1] With additional booking features foreseen for corporate travelers by mid-2020, Southwest Airlines plans to instate $10-$20 million progressive developments in pre-tax upshots towards the end of 2020.
“For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a business traveler’s airline with high-frequency travel options and low fares. Today’s announcement evolves that philosophy even further by offering travel managers and business travelers new capabilities when booking Southwest travel in the channel of their choice. We’re also making it easy and smooth for travel management companies to do business with Southwest Business through expanded partnerships, the addition of more content within GDS channels, a refreshed SWABIZ® booking tool, and more Team Members focused on highlighting Southwest’s business-friendly policies,” explained Tom Nealon, the president of Southwest Airlines. [2]
The New and Improved Corporate American Airlines
Meanwhile, American Airlines touched on improvements for their corporate travelers, which will also affect its Atlantic multiparty conglomerate of British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia. The revamped American Airlines corporate travel program will give business travelers higher priority when it comes to modifications due to operational disruptions such as weather conditions, along with discounted vacation packages through the American Airlines Vacations program and free access to preferred seating.
“Travelers expect a consistent experience whether they’re flying on American or any one of our Atlantic Joint Business partners. With corporate recognition now available on American, British Airways, Finnair and Iberia, we’re elevating the recognition, prioritization, and benefits that our corporate customers receive at every touchpoint possible,” said Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution for American, Alison Taylor. “Simplifying the day-to-day experience for our corporate travelers is one more way we can demonstrate our commitment to being the easiest airline to do business with as we continue to grow and diversify our corporate account portfolio.” [3]
All in all, things are looking up if you or someone you know frequently uses either airline for corporate travel, so take full advantage! If you’d like to learn more about how American and Southwest Airlines plan to upgrade corporate travel or you’re interested in different aviation jobs, feel free to contact a member of our aviation crew to get started!
Sources:
[1] Air Transport World – American, Southwest expand corporate travel programs
[2] Southwest Airlines Investor Relations – Southwest Business Takes Off and Takes Business Travel to New Heights
[3] American Airlines Newsroom – American Airlines Enhances Day-of-Travel Experience Through Corporate Recognition
