American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has acquired 30SecondsToFly, a technology start-up specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) and messaging for business travel.
According to Amex BGT, the 30SecondsToFly technology will enhance the travel experience for its clients’ travellers by increasing the number of service options available to them throughout the trip lifecycle.
In addition to live chat via the newly updated Amex GBT Mobile App and Apple Business Chat, travellers will be able to initiate automated servicing requests from their favourite messaging service.
Amex GBT’s director of new business ventures, Gabriel Ayache, said many business travellers want the speed and convenience of self-service, but they also take comfort in knowing that teams of travel counsellors are always there to have their backs.
“30SecondsToFly has developed a ground-breaking experience for both travellers and travel counsellors that will optimise the GBT service experience and enhance our messaging capabilities,” he said
Riccardo Vittoria, CEO of 30SecondsToFly, said intelligent chat is the new standard for corporate travel service.
“We are very proud to help drive this at scale for GBT and thrilled to be joining the global leader in business travel,” he said.
As part of the acquisition, 30SecondsToFly’s AI developers will join Amex GBT’s team, and the technology will be integrated into GBT’s services over the coming months.
The terms of the deal, which closed on 8 October, will remain undisclosed.
