Flight metasearch specialist Skypicker has rebranded to Kiwi.com following its purchase of the domain name for $800,000 back in March.
Oliver Dlouhy, chief executive of the Czech Republic-based startup, says the rebrand and website redesign is about reflecting the company's direction going forward.
He says the company wants to start encouraging more traffic to the site direct through retention campaigns, with 80% of traffic currently coming from metasearch. Dlouhy adds that the Skypicker name conjures up too many 'sky' and 'flight' images.
"We wanted something unique and completely unconfusable so a word that was the same in all languages - spelt and pronounced the same in all languages.
He says a further reason for the rebrand is that the company wants to offer additional services such as ground transportation while dynamic packaging is also part of future plans.
The first addition will come in the next few weeks with airport to airport transfers built into the price if, for example, passengers needs to travel from London's Heathrow to Gatwick airports.
Dlouhy adds that the company is already profitable and that while the rebrand might seem risky to the outside observer, Kiwi can build up a loyal following by offering cheap fares and itineraries linking up carriers that do not cooperate on interlining.
"At the end they are our customers. We take care of all the after booking, services, luggage and meals. We want to be the one and only point of contact."
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