Overview

Online travel is big business and has become one of the most popular items purchased by consumers on the internet. In 2005, US$106 billion was spent on online travel products and services with air travel alone accounting for over US$65 billion or sisty per cent. This represents almost a quarter of the total worldwide business-to-consumer (B2C) online spending. A variety of contributing factors is responsible for this development: first, the emergence of the internet and specifically the worldwide web and their commercial applications in the mid 1990s second, a change in the behavior of consumers who through inexpensive internet access and growing familiarity with easy-to-use technology today shop 24/7 from anywhere in the world third, airline companies use the internet not only as a new platform to service, sell and market but -- by cutting traditional supply channels and reaching directly to the end consumer - also to realize cost savings in their distribution systems fourth, the arrival of new intermediaries in the form of internet travel agencies (such as Expedia and Opodo), network affiliates, and mass sales and marketing websites that distribute travel products to the public. Considering the above, airline companies all over the world have integrated (or are in the process of doing so) electronic commerce or e-commerce into their business operations in various shapes and forms. Today, it is no longer a question of 'if' for airline companies but 'how' to deal with e-commerce and leverage it to enhance their competitiveness. This book explores these issues.

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9780415775793

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Reviews

'Dr Hanke's book provides a fascinating insight into the history and growth of e-commerce in airlines, as well as the challenges now facing companies within this fast-paced area of our business. A great read for practitioners and customers alike.' - Kevin McQuillan, Head of ba.com and mobile channels, British Airways. 'This book is long overdue. Peppered with numerous airline examples of good, inadequate and bad practice. It explores and analyzes all the key areas of airline e-commerce. This is essential and fascinating reading for anyone directly involved but also for anyone wishing to understand how airlines or other tourism sectors can maximise the benefits offered by the digital revolution.' - Rigas Doganis, Chairman European Aviation Club, Brussels, formerly non-Executive Director of easyJet and South African Airways 'Michael Hanke has that very rare combination of excellent professional experience, creativity and the ability to set out in writing necessary to produce a very important work. And that is precisely what he has done with this obvious labour of love. It will I am sure have very practical value to its readers.' - Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, CAPA - Centre for Aviation

‘Dr Hanke’s book provides a fascinating insight into the history and growth of e-commerce in airlines, as well as the challenges now facing companies within this fast-paced area of our business. A great read for practitioners and customers alike.’ — Kevin McQuillan, Head of ba.com and mobile channels, British Airways ‘This book is long overdue. Peppered with numerous airline examples of good, inadequate and bad practice. It explores and analyzes all the key areas of airline e-commerce. This is essential and fascinating reading for anyone directly involved but also for anyone wishing to understand how airlines or other tourism sectors can maximize the benefits offered by the digital revolution.’ — Rigas Doganis, Chairman European Aviation Club, Brussels, formerly non-Executive Director of easyJet and South African Airways ‘Michael Hanke has that very rare combination of excellent professional experience, creativity and the ability to set out in writing necessary to produce a very important work. And that is precisely what he has done with this obvious labor of love. It will I am sure have very practical value to its readers.’ — Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, CAPA - Centre for Aviation

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MHeco Consulting, USA

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