AMEX GBT BUYS TECHNOLOGY START-UP

American Express Global Business Travel has acquired 30Secondstofly, a technology start-up specialising in artificial intelligence and messaging for business travel.

The deal will see the start-up’s AI developers join GBT’S growing technology team.

The firm's technology allows users to book travel through a virtual assistant, called Claire, on Facebook Messenger, Slack, Skype and SMS and will be incorporated into the Amex GBT Mobile App and Apple Business Chat over the coming months.