Air NZ, JetBlue innovation

AIR New Zealand this morning announced a new “innovation partnership” with JetBlue Technology Ventures (JTV), the venture capital subsidiary of US carrier JetBlue.

JTV is based in Silicon Valley, California, and was established to incubate, invest in and partner with early-stage startups working in travel and technology.

Air NZ said the International Innovation Partnership would offer early access to emerging technologies “as well as an entrance into the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem”.

NZ ceo Christopher Luxon said the carrier had a proud history of product innovation.

“We’re thrilled to be at the centre of the immense commercial and customer experience opportunities emerging from the intersection of technology and travel,” he said.

“As one of the most innovative airlines globally, Air New Zealand has a proud reputation for nimbly being able to seize opportunities and take these to market...we have been growing a terrific ecosystem of global partners as we seek to redefine the future of air travel,” Luxon added.

JTV president Bonny Simi said the business had been established to expand on JetBlue’s reputation as an innovative travel brand.

Other travel and hospitality partners are expected to join the ecosystem over the coming months, all of which will co-locate in an “innovation outpost” in Silicon Valley.

The current JetBlue Technology Ventures portfolio include startup brands such as Redeam, Lumo, Volantio, CoinFlip, Joby Aviation, Climacell, Skyhour, Gladly, Zunum Aero, Flyr, Recharge, Filament, Recharge, Mozio, 30 Seconds To Fly and Betterez.