15below, a specialist in automated passenger communications for airlines, has acquired Airport AI, a conversational artificial intelligence platform for airports, for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition enables United Kingdom-based 15below to create a unified solution for the air travel industry and improve the passenger experience.
According to 15below, the combined solution will “provide airports with greater visibility of the passengers within their terminals, deliver a better and more responsive service and reduce labor and operational costs through a self-service solution for customer support.”
Airport AI’s large language model-based platform enables passengers to make enquiries through airport websites, mobile apps such as WhatsApp and WeChat, voice assistants and airport kiosks.
Benefits for airlines include “more comprehensive, conversational and contextual interactions with passengers, improving service and loyalty,” the company said.
The acquisition will also help Airport AI, which currently serves more than 80 airports, increase its footprint globally.
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“We really admire Airport AI's unique technology and their vision for transforming passenger communications, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience,” said Nicholas Key, CEO of 15below.
“This partnership brings together two market leaders with deep expertise across airline and airport systems and passenger engagement, creating a powerful force for positive change across the travel industry.”
Pierre Cuquemelle, CEO of Airport AI, said that airlines and airports have operated in silos for too long when it comes to passenger communication.
“By combining our expertise in AI-driven passenger communication with 15below’s deep integration across airline systems, we’re building the foundation for a future where airports and airlines collaborate seamlessly to deliver smarter services, improve operational efficiency and make travel less stressful for millions of people around the world,” he said.
Last year, 15below announced a “significant” investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group. The company said it planned to use the funds for software development and to support existing and new clients as it embarked on a five-year growth strategy.