FCM to launch in Japan

FLIGHT Centre this morning revealed plans to debut its FCM travel management business in Japan under a joint venture with Tokyo-based NSF Engagement Corporation.

With Japan being the world’s fourth largest corporate travel market, Flight Centre MD Graham Turner said the deal was a “significant addition to the global FCM network”, which now extends to 97 countries.

“By securing an equity position in this crucial market, we will enhance our ability to grow new local, regional and multinational accounts, whilst also gaining greater control over and enhancing the service that we provide to our existing customers in Japan,” Turner said.

“We believe this will become a very significant business and a valuable addition to our Asian network, which also includes businesses in China, including SAR Hong Kong, India, Singapore and Malaysia,” he added.

FCM Asia Managing Director Bertrand Saillet said Flight Centre’s willingness to invest in Japan during a time of such global upheaval in the travel sector showed how much the company values the Asian market.

“Choosing to expand FCM’s network at this critical time speaks volumes about the tremendous potential Japan has and the role the country will play in our global corporate strategy in the future,” he said.

FCM’s highly publicised investment in new innovative technologies aimed at improving the business travel experience and optimising travel programs have been credited with helping to drive growth and deliver “a strong pipeline of account wins globally” for the business.