Austrian Mustang operator GlobeAir is looking to pioneer private jet routes for online travel and hospitality platforms. While COVID-19 is still impacting the tourism industry, the company is filling the gap left by airliners, which according to Eurocontrol are expected to operate at only 40 per cent of their usual capacity by January 2021. GlobeAir is arranging flights on preferred routes including London City-Amsterdam, Geneva-Paris and Munich-Hamburg into the Global Distribution System (GDS), powered by WorldTicket.

“Just with the push of a button, we are providing a safer alternative for some of the most in-demand flight routes across Europe thanks to our flight availability and customer service,” says Bernhard Fragner, GlobeAir CEO.

To help travellers during the COVID-19 crisis, GlobeAir will be offering flights under the IATA airline code ‘W2’ via more than 550,000 travel providers worldwide including Skyscanner, Expedia and Opodo.

“It was terrible to see the impact COVID-19 is having on our industry and airlines around the world,” adds Lasse Meilsoe, group CEO, WorldTicket. “We are therefore extremely pleased to work with GlobeAir on this pioneering project and to be able to sell its flights through all leading GDS providers. The innovation that GlobeAir has brought so far is the same innovation that enabled us to develop this unique GDS distribution functionality. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership.”

GDS offers a solution for GlobeAir to cater to the needs of travellers and travel management companies at a time when airliners cannot meet the needs of the market as they used to. By connecting more than 550,000 travel agencies and offices worldwide, the GDS system is the perfect tool to open up the new GlobeAir routes to more travellers in need.

“Being listed on the GDS systems is an opportunity to meet the demand for alternative flight options due to the decline in commercial flight schedules and to fill the gap,” comments Dieter Pammer, director of business development, GlobeAir.

Around seven out of ten airline tickets worldwide are sold via GDS with Amadeus, Sabre, Worldspan and Galileo among the most recognised affiliates. GlobeAir will take advantage of a centralised booking system that makes it easier to tap multiple channels at once. While business aviation will continue to be the preferred means of transport during the pandemic, GlobeAir is confident that it will reach more travellers in need of safe transport solutions around the world.