Flight Centre looks to digital

FLIGHT Centre’s new Digital Commerce Advisory Board ( TD breaking news yesterday) is the latest development in the company’s focus on technology, having been created less than a year after the appointment of Atle Skalleberg as chief digital officer ( TD 22 Jul 16).

35-year-old Skalleberg, who joined the company as part of Flight Centre’s acquisition of StudentUniverse in late 2015, has a brief to “drive a digital transformation that will propel online and mobile services”.

Other members of the new advisory board include Boston- based travel tech investor and entrepeneur Hugh Crean, and Nicolas Brusson, ceo of French disruptor BlablaCar.

Two further members of the board are expected to be added in the coming months.

“Given that the digital commerce team in Boston is playing a central role in Flight Centre’s digital transformation, it is great having Hugh onboard, with his travel tech knowledge and network right in our backyard,” said Skalleberg.

“As one of the most well-known startup founders in France, and an active angel investor, Nicolas brings a European perspective and tech ceo experience to the advisory board,” he added.

Flight Centre is targeting $1 billion in leisure sales via digital commerce this financial year, as well as a 40% adoption rate for corporate online booking tools.

StudentUniverse has recorded 200% year-on-year growth in sales via its app, which now comprise 12% of bookings.

Other digital initiatives under way include new mobile services for BYOjet, new Flight Centre smartphone apps in Australia, and new e-commerce investments in Canada.