Low cost carrier EasyJet appears to be taking yet another step forward with its stated aim to allow full bookings on its Facebook page.
In May 2010 the airline said its existing holiday planner function on the site would probably be the best place to plug in a search and booking facility.
This strategy appears to have changed tact slightly in recent weeks with a full flight search system integrated within its main Facebook page and on a dedicated tab alongside the holiday planner and wall.
At the moment the once the basic information is submitted the module sends a user to a pre-populated page on the main EasyJet site, but this could be modified to plug in the necessary web technology to run a full booking system on the site.
Other, smaller travel ecommerce players have started integrating booking facilities on Facebook but EasyJet would be one of the largest companies so far to do so.
NB: EasyJet has yet to return calls with further questions.
David Parfect of Facebook says the platform will allow the integration of third party services such as booking engines, but the network itself has no input from a development perspective.
"Companies can build an application that allows them to essentially merge their booking engine within a ‘Facebook experience’ but this is something that Facebook does not get involved with."
EasyJet has a sizeable following on its Facebook page, attracting 31,000 fans and regularly holding competitions and other forms of engagement with customers.
NB: EasyJet has yet to return calls with further questions.