Kiwi.com, a search platform that combines flights from
nearly 700 airlines, has joined with online travel agency Logitravel Group to
increase flight offerings in Europe, Russia, Latin America and other key markets.
“Our global footprint
is expanding and we are delighted to partner with Logitravel Group which
already has a large footprint in these markets,” says Kiwi CEO Oliver Dlouhy.
“We have ambitious plans at Kiwi.com to open more global offices, as well as
working with strategic partners to further enhance our reach.”
Czech-based Kiwi (formerly Skypicker) started in 2012 and
has developed an algorithm that scans data from multiple airlines, general distribution
systems and third parties to surface results that it says give savings of up
to 50% on some routes.
Kiwi says the technology, called virtual interlining, can
create more than 750 million flight combinations from airlines that may not
normally cooperate, such as full-service and low-cost carriers.
With services in 11 countries, Spain-based Logitravel Group is
best known for its Logitravel.com OTA but also owns tour operator Traveltino and
Smyrooms, a bed bank. The company says Kiwi’s search and data capabilities
will help it provide more competitive rates to expand its customer base.
“Part of the appeal to Logitravel is the way in which
Kiwi.com attracts a slightly different demographic to our current customers,”
says Tomeau Bennasar, CEO of Logitravel Group.
“We are now able to use Kiwi.com’s rich and extensive flight
offerings to assist those that traditionally fall into the Generation X, Y and
Z, and to help them with their flight planning.”
Bennasar also cites Kiwi’s guarantee, which protects
travelers in the event of flight cancellations, delays or rescheduling, as a
welcome benefit for Logitravel customers.