Scoot’s commitment to partnering with the trade has delivered varied results across its key markets, but it remains an important distribution channel for the low cost carrier.
The airline made the decision to partner with the trade “from day one,” chief executive Campbell Wilson told Travel Today. But in some markets, the uptake by travel agents has been greater than in others.
“Japan, China and Korea are quite traditional markets where people want to book with travel agents, so quite a high proportion of our bookings come through the trade,” he said. “But in Singapore and Australia, people tend to be more inclined to book on the web.”
Wilson revealed the percentage of sales coming from the Australian travel trade is in the “low teens” with preferred agreements in place with "all of the major travel agents in Australia".
“As a percentage of total bookings, it is relatively small but the type of bookings tends to be relatively high yielding.
“Usually, it’s a customer that wouldn’t have booked on the internet anyway so it’s allowing us to reach a broader segment of the market.”
His comments come as the rift between low cost carriers and agents gradually lessens. With LCCs capturing a growing share of the aviation market, both parties are now understanding the mutual benefits of cooperation, according to Wilson.
“There’s always going to be a segment of the market that will want to deal with a travel agency,” he said.
