Corporate is strong, with FCM Travel securing a pipeline of account wins totalling almost AUD$400 million, Asia returning to modest profitability, and the business globally delivering further productivity gains. First-quarter total transaction value (TTV) increased by nearly seven per cent.

Leisure TTV is also growing at a healthy rate. Still, the temporary travel pattern shifts that emerged late last year continue to impact year-on-year profit comparisons, which is in line with our expectations. We are, however, starting to see signs of recovery, which is a positive signal ahead of our peak second-half trading periods.

For the full year, FCTG is targeting an underlying profit before tax of AUD$305 million–AUD$340 million, a 5.5%–17.6% uplift on FY25.

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“Global business travel continues to face challenges, from airline disruptions to geopolitical tensions, including the USA government shutdown. In addition, Africa continues to face persistent inflationary pressures, inconsistent exchange rates, rising visa costs and escalating global uncertainty. It is at times like this that FCTG’s corporate brands FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller demonstrate the vital nature of expert travel management for businesses.

“Having a trusted travel management company spearheaded by people and tech has never been more crucial. Our corporate brands are not just booking services – they’re essential risk management partners always providing real-time support and strategic guidance.

“Our customers have benefited from immediate assistance during disruptions, with dedicated consultants proactively managing itinerary changes and providing duty-of-care services that have proven invaluable.

“Corporate Traveller thrives with its dedicated consultant model, particularly resonating with small and medium enterprises seeking personalised service alongside technological efficiency. 

“FCM Travel continues to strengthen its position serving larger organisations with complex travel needs, expanding its client base by securing significant new accounts throughout the year. 

“The business is leveraging its proprietary technology suite to deliver customised solutions to sophisticated travel programmes, while making substantial progress with New Distribution Capability implementation.

“We’re at the forefront of implementing artificial intelligence tech that enhances service delivery while improving operational efficiency. AI now intelligently routes inbound requests to the appropriate consultants, improving response times and saving thousands of consultant hours. 

“Business travel remains essential to prosperity, even in uncertain times. Our role is to ensure that when our customers’ people need to travel – whether to close deals, grow relationships, or drive innovation – they can with confidence knowing they have expert support at every stage.”

***Ends***

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965 or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.34 Billion and a current share price of AU$16.75 as of 30 April 2021. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

Table of Contents

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has delivered a confident outlook at its Annual General Meeting (Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025), reporting strong momentum across its global operations as FY26 gets underway. First-quarter results and preliminary October trading data confirm the group’s positive trajectory, with corporate operations particularly robust.

Corporate is strong, with FCM Travel securing a pipeline of account wins totalling almost AUD$400 million, Asia returning to modest profitability, and the business globally delivering further productivity gains. First-quarter total transaction value (TTV) increased by nearly seven per cent.

Leisure TTV is also growing at a healthy rate. Still, the temporary travel pattern shifts that emerged late last year continue to impact year-on-year profit comparisons, which is in line with our expectations. We are, however, starting to see signs of recovery, which is a positive signal ahead of our peak second-half trading periods.

For the full year, FCTG is targeting an underlying profit before tax of AUD$305 million–AUD$340 million, a 5.5%–17.6% uplift on FY25.

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“Global business travel continues to face challenges, from airline disruptions to geopolitical tensions, including the USA government shutdown. In addition, Africa continues to face persistent inflationary pressures, inconsistent exchange rates, rising visa costs and escalating global uncertainty. It is at times like this that FCTG’s corporate brands FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller demonstrate the vital nature of expert travel management for businesses.

“Having a trusted travel management company spearheaded by people and tech has never been more crucial. Our corporate brands are not just booking services – they’re essential risk management partners always providing real-time support and strategic guidance.

“Our customers have benefited from immediate assistance during disruptions, with dedicated consultants proactively managing itinerary changes and providing duty-of-care services that have proven invaluable.

“Corporate Traveller thrives with its dedicated consultant model, particularly resonating with small and medium enterprises seeking personalised service alongside technological efficiency.

“FCM Travel continues to strengthen its position serving larger organisations with complex travel needs, expanding its client base by securing significant new accounts throughout the year.

“The business is leveraging its proprietary technology suite to deliver customised solutions to sophisticated travel programmes, while making substantial progress with New Distribution Capability implementation.

“We’re at the forefront of implementing artificial intelligence tech that enhances service delivery while improving operational efficiency. AI now intelligently routes inbound requests to the appropriate consultants, improving response times and saving thousands of consultant hours.

“Business travel remains essential to prosperity, even in uncertain times. Our role is to ensure that when our customers’ people need to travel – whether to close deals, grow relationships, or drive innovation – they can with confidence knowing they have expert support at every stage.”

***Ends***

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965 or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.34 Billion and a current share price of AU$16.75 as of 30 April 2021. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

Notably only seven per cent of respondents in the region now anticipate reducing their travel budgets, a dramatic fall from 21% last year, signalling business travel is being prioritised as a strategic lever for growth.

The positive outlook comes as recent interest rate decreases signal improving macroeconomic conditions and renewed optimism among corporates across southern Africa.

Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM Travel Southern Africa, said the positive sentiment reflected renewed confidence among South African corporates as economic conditions improve.

“These global results are particularly encouraging for the South African market where we’re seeing strong momentum. Companies are recognising that business travel is essential infrastructure for growth, not just an expense. Our recent launch of FCM Meetings & Events in South Africa has already captured significant interest from mining and financial services sectors who understand that face-to-face engagement drives real business outcomes.”

Herman Heunes, General Manager at Corporate Traveller South Africa, said the findings validated what his team was seeing on the ground with South African SMEs and mid-market companies.

“The survey results confirm that sentiment is shifting – companies are ready to back growth with increased travel budgets. We’re seeing dynamic South African businesses who view travel as a strategic investment rather than a cost centre. Our rebrand in the last financial year has really helped us connect with this new generation of businesses who appreciate our modern identity and approach.”

Globally, for flagship businesses FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, nine per cent of customers surveyed intend to spend over 20% more on their travel, 36% plan to increase by up to 20% more, and 37%believe the amount spent will be similar to last year.

The findings follow the release of end-of-financial-year results to the Australian Securities Exchange. The results showed that FCTG achieved a record total transaction value (TTV) of AUD$24.5 billion, up three per cent year-on-year (YOY) in a challenging global trading cycle, and an AUD$289.1 million underlying profit before tax, at the midpoint of the recently revised range.

The corporate business again delivered a record total turnover (TTV) of AUD$12.3 billion, up two per cent YOY, with FCM Travel securing a large pipeline of new accounts, expanding addressable markets, and set to benefit from industry consolidation. Corporate Traveller is also set to become a AUD$5 billion-per-year TTV business.

FCTG Global Corporate CEO, Chris Galanty, said the survey findings illustrated that customers had a brighter outlook for the new financial year with some macro-economic challenges now starting to ease across the globe.

“There’s no question corporate travel is deemed to be a non-discretionary spend for businesses as a critical facet to surviving and thriving worldwide – this is now evidenced by a significant percentage of our customers planning to increase their travel spend in FY26,” said Galanty.

“These figures paint a positive picture for the world of business travel in the new financial year.

“Significant technology advancements in AI through our Centre of Excellence, combined with an uplift in the utilisation of FCM Platform and the Corporate Traveller Technology Suite, have enabled us to automate the ordinary, allowing us to provide our customers with the extraordinary.

“Companies, whether they be large multi-nationals, SMEs or start-up businesses, are vital to economies across the globe, and it’s with great pride that we get to deliver our unique blend of the expertise of our people and our innovative technology to service them in their aspirations.”

FCTG Managing Director EMEA, Steve Norris, said there were several highlights and milestones across the corporate businesses for FY25.

“Productivity has jumped in many areas, and our focus on living by our ingrained Family, Village, Tribe structure means our subject matter experts are more empowered to make much quicker decisions – allowing them to shine alongside our FCM Platform and Corporate Traveller Technology Suite.”

Heunes further noted Corporate Traveller is continuously advancing its technology in South Africa to help travel managers work more efficiently and serve customers better. “As a result, our team can focus on what they do best: providing service of the highest standard.”

With business sentiment rising across southern Africa and enhanced technology platforms streamlining complex travel arrangements, industry analysts expect the corporate travel recovery to accelerate through FY26, potentially reshaping how businesses approach regional expansion and international partnerships.

*The State of the Market survey was conducted in June and July 2025. The target respondents were Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel customers, specifically decision-makers, travel managers, and authorised travel bookers. All Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel regions were included. A random sample of 1,234 responses was obtained.

—ENDS—

Media contact

For more information or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Herman Heunes, call Sonnette Fourie on 081 072 2869 or email sonnette@bigambitions.co.za.              

Flight Centre Travel Group (ASX:FLT) has released its half-year results to the Australian Securities Exchange. Please click here to view the full announcement.

FLT has achieved an AUD$117 million underlying profit before tax (UPBT) for the 2025 fiscal year first half – the result represents a seven per cent year-on-year growth.

The corporate business delivered a two per cent increase on its strong FY24 H1 Total Transaction Value result and a four per cent UPBT increase to AUD$96 million during a short-term period of consolidation while the business embedded Productive Operations initiatives to help unlock a new era of more profitable growth.

Comments by Steve Norris, Flight Centre Travel Group Managing Director, EMEA:

“Business travel continues to be a necessity, rather than a luxury, for many companies – it’s one of the key facets for them to survive and thrive across the EMEA region and beyond. Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel are the gateways for businesses to grow and expand.

“The last six months of 2024 saw a huge step forward for our ‘Grow to Win’ model with productive operations and advancements within the AI space, allowing for our people behind the scenes to have more time offering the best service to our clients while streamlining the experience for customers.

“Further to this, we’ve achieved major systems migrations across Europe with upgraded systems now in full effect across phone, mid-office, and CRM usage.

“FCM Travel in the UK has been a highlight in the corporate space with stand-out growth – and we hit the milestone of more than 700 customers now actively using our Melon platform for Corporate Traveller UK.

“The one thing that’s still our clear differentiator is that our company remains very much led by its people. AI, for example, is the vehicle for increased output and better, more streamlined operations, but our people remain the driving force behind the wheel.”

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“The corporate pillar of Flight Centre Travel Group has once again achieved a record Total Transaction Value (TTV) of AUD$6 billion in the first half of the fiscal year, taking overall recovery versus pre-COVID to over 140 per cent, in a sector that has not yet returned to pre-pandemic activity levels.

“One of the key drivers of this is the significant investment in our Productive Operations initiative to enhance the customer experience to unlock a new era of profitable growth. This, combined with our leveraging of AI, will deliver a forecast of 15-20 per cent of productivity gains between FY24 and FY26.

“With Productive Operations, we’re building a single global operating system for both of our flagship brands that drives every activity through the right channel. This will lower costs, grow income, and delight customers through personal service and automation.

“When it comes to AI, our global Centre of Excellence continues to thrive and is at the very heart of the transformation we’re undertaking to automate the simple so that our people can do what they do best, offering excellent service before, during, and after a transaction.

“Looking ahead, we have a solid pipeline of new account wins coming on board to fuel future TTV growth, with over AUD$800 million worth of wins in the financial year to date for FCM Travel.

“As for SME-specialist business Corporate Traveller, it has secured a large volume of smaller accounts, with our new client ‘stick rate’ aided by our rapid onboarding and follow-up.

“Our goal is for ongoing growth, and we’re doing this by successfully targeting specialist sectors, with Stage, Screen & Sports eyeing expansion opportunities under a new leader – with FCM Meetings & Events also having successfully re-launched globally, with further expansion coming soon.

Comments by Bonnie Smith, GM Corporate Traveller and FCM, South Africa.

“South Africa has experienced strong double-digit revenue growth, driven by significant client wins in the past year that have started trading at robust levels through the first half of this financial year. Our sales teams have entered the new year with a clear strategy, effectively demonstrating our value in the market and continuing to expand our new client base.

“At the same time, our highly focused client retention initiatives and ongoing investment in our technology stack – both for client-facing solutions and internal efficiencies – ensure that we consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience. 

“As we look ahead, our focus is on revenue growth and improving productivity across our business. By equipping our people with the right tools and strategies, we will drive sustainable profit growth while continuing to offer the high-touch service and cutting-edge solutions that set FCM and Corporate Traveller apart in South Africa.”  

ENDS

Media contact

Grant Payne

Global Head of PR and Communications – Flight Centre Travel Group – Corporate Brands

Grant.payne@flightcentre.com

+61 413 891 871 (Brisbane).

Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa, helps navigate these changes that have sparked considerable discussion in travel circles.

Who does it impact?

“It’s crucial to understand that South African passport holders are not affected by the new ETA system,” explains Machiri. “The ETA is specifically designed for nationals from visa-exempt countries. South Africans must continue following the existing visa application process for UK travel.”

However, understanding the new system remains relevant as it impacts the broader travel ecosystem, including:

• Business professionals working with international partners

• Those coordinating travel for overseas visitors

• South African residents holding passports from visa-exempt countries

• Dual citizens who may be eligible to use the ETA with their other passport

• Travel agents and business travel coordinators managing diverse traveller needs

Understanding the ETA rollout

The UK government is implementing this significant change to their border control system in phases:

• November 27, 2024: Initial introduction

• January 8, 2025: Non-European countries

• April 2, 2025: European countries

This new system aligns the UK with similar protocols used in the U.S. and EU, affecting travellers from visa-free countries. The ETA aims to enhance border security while streamlining the entry process for eligible travellers, creating a more efficient travel environment for all visitors to the UK.

What to do if you need an ETA? (i.e. you don’t currently need a visa to enter the UK)

The ETA is mandatory for all non-visa overseas visitors to the UK, except for Irish nationals.

“All visa-exempt foreign nationals visiting the UK will need to obtain the ETA,” emphasises Machiri. “It doesn’t matter where you are departing from or country of origin – it’s your nationality that counts.”

The important details (like how much does it cost?)

• £10 per application
• Valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
• Everyone travelling will need an ETA, including infants and children

What can you do with an ETA?

• Stay up to six months for tourism, visiting friends and family, business or short-term study
• Spend up to three months in the UK on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transit through the UK, even when you’re not going through border control
• Make multiple visits within the validity period

How to apply

• Use the UK ETA app or visit www.gov.uk
• You can apply on behalf of others
• Standard processing time is three working days
• ETA is electronically linked to your passport
• Successful applicants receive email confirmation

Important notes:

• During the initial rollout, please chat to your travel expert about the most current and up-to-date requirements (including pending applications)
• Once fully implemented, you must have approval before travel
• If your ETA is refused, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa instead
• If you apply for – and receive – a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA
• The granting of an ETA does not mean automatic entry into the UK, it allows you to travel to the UK

You may be refused if you:

• Have a current UK deportation or exclusion order
• Have a significant criminal history
• Have previously overstayed in the UK
• Have outstanding debts to the UK

What to do if you need a visa still? (i.e. the majority of South African passport holders)

For South African passport holders planning UK trips, Machiri recommends:

• Maintaining the standard visa application timeline of at least 6-8 weeks before travel
• Ensuring all documentation meets current UK visa requirements
• Consulting with travel experts for the latest updates and requirements
• Being aware that visa requirements and processing times may vary based on the purpose of visit

UK TRAVEL CHECKLIST

□ Check passport validity (minimum 6 months)

□ Start visa application process (as early as 12 weeks before travel, but at least 6-8 weeks in advance, especially as delays can be experienced over peak holiday seasons)

□ Gather required documentation

□ Consult travel expert for the latest requirements

□ Verify visa requirements match travel purpose

□ Book travel insurance

□ Keep copies of all travel documents

The future of travel

As global systems increasingly embrace digital authorisation, South African travellers can anticipate potential benefits such as shorter queues and smoother processes at UK borders, even while maintaining traditional visa requirements.

“The modernisation of border control systems worldwide indicates a trend toward more efficient, secure travel processes that will ultimately benefit all international travellers,” notes Machiri.

Whether planning business trips or holiday getaways to the UK, South African passport holders can proceed with their usual visa application processes, knowing that the new ETA system is separate from existing requirements. As always, consulting with travel experts remains the best way to ensure all documentation is in order for a smooth journey to the United Kingdom.

AT A GLANCE

Key points for UK travel 2025

• WHO NEEDS AN ETA: Visa-exempt nationals only

• WHO NEEDS A VISA: South African passport holders

• TIMELINE: Allow at least 6-8 weeks for visa processing

• ROLLOUT DATES:

• November 27, 2024: Initial ETA introduction
• January 8, 2025: Non-European countries
• April 2, 2025: European countries

**ends**

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.67 billion and a current share price of AU$16.52 as of 18 December 2024. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.

Media Contact

Celine Patterson, Big Ambitions

celine@bigambitions.co.za

Utilising the innovative Qualtrics platform to survey its customers directly, the business received a random sample of more than 500 responses from flagship brands FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller spanning the globe, providing a true reflection of travel intentions worldwide.

Overall, 10 per cent of customers surveyed intend to travel more than 20 per cent more, 30 per cent plan to increase by up to 20 per cent more, 35 per cent believe the amount of travel will be the same, with only 10 per cent anticipating a reduction.

As for intention to spend, six per cent of customers surveyed plan on spending over 20 per cent more on their travel, 36 per cent intend to increase by up to 20 per cent more, 31 per cent believe the amount spent will be similar versus last year, while only 11 per cent anticipate reducing.

Melissa Elf, Global Chief Operating Officer of Flight Centre Corporate, said:

“Corporate travel is now, without question, deemed to be a non-discretionary spend for businesses as a critical facet to surviving and thriving across the globe – evidenced by a significant percentage of our customers planning to increase their travel volume and spend on travel.

“These figures paint a positive picture for the world of business travel going forward and will create flow-on effects for a multitude of destinations as corporates continue to utilise the ‘bleisure’ trend of adding on a holiday to the beginning or end of their trips.

“Businesses, whether they be large multi-nationals or SMEs and start-ups, are vital to the economy and it’s with great pride that we get to deliver our unique blend of the expertise of our people and our innovative technology to service them in their aspirations.”

Says Bonnie Smith, GM of FCM and Corporate Traveller in South Africa: “Understanding how much our clients plan to travel for business in 2025 and what they intend to spend provides valuable insights into the needs of business travellers as a community. In South Africa, high demand and limited availability are particular challenges. To prepare for 2025, companies should focus on controlling rising travel costs by adjusting budgets and negotiating better rates. Booking early and exploring alternative travel options can help manage these challenges. If you’re not working with a TMC, now is the time to start. A TMC can help streamline your travel management, optimise costs, and effectively navigate these challenges.”

*The State of the Market survey was conducted online between Monday 3 June 2024 to Thursday 11 July 2024. The target respondents were Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel customers, specifically decision-makers, travel managers, and authorised travel bookers. All Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel regions were included. A random sample of 562 responses were obtained.

***Ends***

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965 or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.

FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA

Flight Centre Travel Group (Pty) Ltd (“FCTG”) in South Africa is wholly owned by Flight Centre Travel Group Limited – an Australian based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.34 Billion and a current share price of AU$16.75 as of 30 April 2021. FCTG has two level 1 B-BBEE subsidiaries: FCTG Corporate and FCM Travel Solutions. FCTG consists of two leading brands: Flight Centre and Corporate Traveller. FCTG has been recognized as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for 14 consecutive years.

Please click here for the full announcement.

Flight Centre Travel Group has delivered a AU$320 million underlying PBT for 2024 fiscal year (FY24) – the result is a 131 per cent increase on the AU$139 million FY23 and is at the mid-point of FLT’s guidance range.

Total Transaction Value (TTV) reached a record AU$23.74 billion, slightly above the AU$23.7 billion FY19 result and a circa AU$1.8 billion year on year increase, with both corporate and leisure businesses delivering more than AU$1 billion year on year growth, and corporate achieving another record.

FLT’s global corporate business delivered a 44 per cent underlying PBT increase to AU$211 million, with Corporate Traveller contributing a record profit.

Corporate TTV increased by 10 per cent to a record AU$12.1 billion, as the business finished the year about 35 per cent larger than FY19 in a sector that has only recovered to circa 80 per cent of the pre-pandemic activity levels (Source: MIDT).

Comments by Steve Norris, EMEA Managing Director, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“Corporate travel continues to be seen as a non-discretionary spend for businesses and remains a crucial facet for companies that want to survive and thrive across the EMEA region.

“Flight Centre Travel Group achieved a record year for profit in the UK in FY24 with our two flagship corporate businesses of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller playing a pivotal role in this – while South Africa and the UAE also enjoyed their best ever year.

“Our outstanding team has continued to drive new business wins for FCM Travel, while expanding our customer base in the UK nationally. Of these bigger nationwide wins, it’s important to note that some major customers have yet to be fully implemented, and we’ll see the benefits of this in FY25.

“We’ve also continued to invest in our technology and operations, which we’re seeing clear returns on. We’ve also fully integrated our proprietary technology Melon with Trainline, allowing us to truly enhance our UK customer experience, while the FCM Platform integration continues at pace.

“More broadly, one of the key trends we’ve seen, which is in keeping with the rest of the world, is the rise of the ‘bleisure’ traveller – where businesspeople are taking advantage of their corporate trips and tagging a holiday on the beginning or the end.

“Crucially, our people continue to be our most important asset across our business. A testament to this is our recognition with Best Places to Work Awards which we’ve received in the UK across categories for Wellbeing and Development and in the UAE for women in the workplace.

“Looking forward, we’ve got a lot to be optimistic about. We’re building from a solid foundation with the right people, expertise and technology in place to drive continued growth as we enter a busy season for business travellers.”

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group:

“It’s been a robust year for the corporate pillar of the Flight Centre Travel Group with our flagship brands of Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel delivering record Total Transaction Value in a sector that has only recovered to circa 80 per cent of pre-COVID transaction volumes.

“This result has been driven by high customer retention rates and a large pipeline of new account wins, some of which have yet to be fully implemented, so we’ll see the benefits of these flow over the coming months once they begin trading.

“FCM Travel transaction volumes rose by 10 per cent year on year as the business continues to win and service large multi-national and enterprise-level accounts, while Corporate Traveller delivered a record profit globally, alongside winning managed and unmanaged SME and start-up accounts.

“Our blend of exceptional people and innovative technology continues to set us apart with both dedicated travel consultants and managers joining forces with the mass adoption of Corporate Traveller’s Melon online booking tool in the Northern Hemisphere and FCM Platform globally.

“We’ve continued to invest, and this year saw us launch our global corporate-specific AI Centre of Excellence that’s revolutionising customer service, empowering our agents through smart automation, and is a key driver as we remain on track to deliver our Productive Operations project.

“We’ve also spent a lot of time in understanding the pain points of our customers and we’ve made significant investments to solve these problems – this has since allowed us to generate new revenue streams – meaning that we ultimately stay ahead of the curve.

“We’ve done an excellent job in building a solid foundation of stability, and as recent global industry-wide issues have proved, it always pays to have a travel management company on your side.

“The corporate arm of the Flight Centre Travel Group is a materially larger business than pre-COVID and we’re energised by the progress we’ve made in the Grow to Win space – and will continue to make – in productive operations in Flight Centre Travel Group’s journey to becoming a two per cent margin business.”

Alboni has been promoted into the role following an incredibly successful six years as Senior Vice President of Marketing for FCM Travel globally and replaces Frits de Kok, who will follow his passion and become leader of the FCM Meetings & Events business in EMEA following its global expansion.

In true FCM ‘alternative’ fashion, Alboni led the rebrand of the entire business during the pandemic to ensure the large market specialists came out stronger the other side – as well as other notable successes like the rollout of the FCM Platform for customers.

“We have had some amazing achievements worldwide for the FCM business, namely the rebrand that took place early on that really re-established our position in the market, which triggered a fantastic growth period with some huge wins for the company across the board. I was privileged to work with some of the best talent in the industry to successfully deliver on that project,” Alboni said.

“My core focuses in the future will centre on driving new marketing innovation through our MarTech, helping to drive business insights through our innovative customer experiences programmes, and have more data-driven marketing strategies.

“This will support our flagship brands with the next level of their growth and development as we continue to keep our famous blend of people and technology to ensure we are at the forefront of people’s, and the industry’s, minds.

“FCM and Corporate Traveller are on such incredible journeys with exciting potential for continued growth and so much more that can happen and be achieved – I can’t wait to deep dive into both businesses even more and help to propel that even more.

“I’m simply excited to represent and be the voice of marketing for our two flagship businesses and the marketing community within them – team members that I already love – to really help drive them forward and optimise our outputs in all regions. I’m ready and raring to go.”

Flight Centre Travel Group Global Corporate CEO, Chris Galanty, paid tribute to Mr de Kok and enthused at Mr Alboni’s appointment – another prime example of the business developing their own from within.

“I’d like to thank Frits for the incredible role he’s played in developing the global marketing functions for the FCM and Corporate Traveller businesses into a truly world-class operation that delivers the very best for both our people and our valued customers,” Galanty said.

“It’s a great pleasure that we were able to facilitate a pathway for Frits to follow his passion and I’m certain that the FCM M&E business in EMEA will be a roaring success under his stewardship.

“Our businesses are positioned strongly to continue their upward trajectory under the leadership of Scott – who already has so many impressive global achievements under his belt for FCM – and I’m sure his Brightness of Future promotion will see our businesses soar higher than ever.”

ENDS

Media contact

Grant Payne

Global Head of PR and Communications – Flight Centre Travel Group – Corporate Brands Grant.payne@flightcentre.com

+61 413 891 871.

The leisure business’s AUD$60million underlying PBT exceeded pre-pandemic levels and was:

• Circa 30-times the AUD$2million FY23 first half (1H) result; and

• Double the AUD$30million FY19 1H underlying PBT.

Underlying corporate PBT increased 53 per cent to AUD$93million, during another period of healthy, organic growth and ahead of the Productive Operations initiative’s benefits being realised.

Total transaction value (TTV) increased 15 per cent to AUD$11.3billion, delivering FCTG’s second strongest start to a year (behind only the FY20 1H).

Corporate TTV increased 16.8 per cent to a record AUD$5.9billion, as the business again achieved new sales milestones and comfortably outpaced the broader corporate travel sector’s recovery.

Leisure TTV increased 18 per cent to AUD$5.2billion, with scale benefits being achieved across a diverse mass market, luxury, complementary and independent brand range.

Comments by Chris Galanty, Global Corporate CEO, Flight Centre Travel Group

“Our corporate businesses have had a strong start to H1 of FY24 globally, contributing 52 per cent of Flight Centre Travel Group’s (ASX:FLT) total transaction value, with our proven organic growth model again delivering record overall sales.

“We’ve also achieved new milestones in the four geographic regions of Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa and Asia.

“These record results, built on high customer retention rates and large volumes of new account wins, were achieved in a sector that has only recovered to circa 70 per cent of pre-COVID transaction volume levels, pointing to our healthy market-share growth.

“At the end of January 2024, our corporate brands had secured new accounts with projected annual spends of circa $1.3billion, with FCM Travel typically winning customers from competitors, and Corporate Traveller securing a mix of unmanaged and smaller, managed accounts.

“We continue to make strides in the technology space with our corporate AI Centre of Excellence. This centre has seen new features added to the suite of products already available that have improved the customer experience and increased our operational productivity.

“Aside from technology, we’ve also been working tirelessly towards clear and consistent strategies that have been successfully executed globally, with these strategies initially focusing on ‘Grow to Win’, but now also include productive operations.

“We look forward to continuing this momentum into H2 of FY24 – with more exciting advancements to come later in the year – and some major customers to be onboarded globally.”

Comments by Steve Norris, Flight Centre Travel Group Managing Director, EMEA

“We have seen strong corporate growth across Europe in the first half of the financial year with our flagship large market division FCM Travel in the UK up 17 per cent and Germany seeing a rise of 25 per cent – with the Netherlands leading the way having seen a 175 per cent increase. 

“Taking into consideration external factors, it’s pleasing to see airline yields remaining high, with an expectation that these are unlikely to reduce significantly – that’s despite pockets of industrial action still affecting a handful of countries across Europe. 

“Looking ahead, we’re looking forward to our Productive Operations initiative continuing its roll-out across Europe, large customer wins beginning to trade in the third quarter of 2024, and all customers will be successfully migrated onto the FCM Platform by the end of June.” 

To view the full ASX announcement, please CLICK HERE.

Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) recently launched its own AI Centre of Excellence to explore this tech. The challenge? How could AI be a co-pilot to support FCM travel managers? They brought on Adrian Lopez as Head of AI to spearhead things. So what can we expect from this new initiative? Lopez’s vision is to build a virtual travel manager brain that revolutionises flight search and booking while preserving human expertise.

“I want travel managers to have tangible help from AI. Any information needs to be readily available at their fingertips,” explains Lopez. This is the future he envisions, where AI assistants support managers by automating repetitive, low-value tasks like policy checks, freeing them up for high-touch customer service.

It’s all part of Lopez’s mission of driving AI integration across the company. “I want people to be using AI. I’m in the process of preparing training materials, tools, internal chatbots,” he says.

Lopez recognises some customers will have concerns though, and he’s committed to rolling out AI ethically and securely. “We apply a lot of restrictions. The process is a lot more comprehensive than just typing some things into ChatGPT,” he points out.

Starting with the low-hanging fruit

So how is FCM putting AI into action? Lopez and his team are starting with “low-hanging fruit” projects aimed at streamlining behind-the-scenes workflows before exploring more disruptive applications.

First up is AI-powered email triage. Machine learning will analyse inbox messages and automatically classify them by priority. This helps managers focus on high-priority bookings first. According to Lopez, its already being piloted and will soon reach customers.

“If we start saving a few seconds on every action for travel managers, we’re going to end up saving a lot of time,” he notes. With half a million emails to parse monthly, even small individual time savings add up.

Virtual travel managers – preserving expertise

Looking ahead, Lopez wants AI to help close an imminent knowledge gap. Many senior travel managers are nearing retirement, taking decades of expertise with them. “How do we make our travel consultants as good as the most senior ones?” Lopez asks.

His vision is AI travel assistants that soak up all that collective knowledge, creating a “virtual travel manager brain” for the next generation. Junior managers could tap into these AI tools to match the skills of their most seasoned colleagues.

AI would also enable easy knowledge sharing across FCM’s 97 global markets. Local insights from one region could instantly benefit managers worldwide through the AI assistant. It’s the ultimate travel manager training programme.

Revolutionising travel search and booking

Further afield, Lopez aims to transform the flight search and booking experience with AI-driven personalisation. Think Google Flights on steroids. By understanding individual traveller preferences and company trip policies, AI could surface the most relevant options and predict the best flight.

“I want to work on this so we give travellers the option of one or maximum two flights,” explains Lopez. This tailored pre-screening by a virtual assistant would save endless scrolling through irrelevant results.

Lopez feels traditional online booking tools fail business travellers with information overload. But AI promises to reduce the stress of travel planning by quickly zooming in on the optimal flights. It’s a frictionless, personalised booking experience travel managers could only dream of before.

The human touch remains key

Some may view AI as a threat, but Lopez believes it will augment human strengths rather than replace managers. AI excels at rapidly analysing data to automate simple tasks. This leaves managers free to focus on emotional intelligence – building relationships, reading preferences, and providing a human touch.

“The booking part is almost a commodity. We need to make it seamless as possible. The value is the extra experience,” says Lopez. He sees AI as a collaborator working behind the scenes so managers can be present in the moments that matter most to travellers.

The future of corporate travel?

AI is gaining momentum in consumer travel, but FCM aims to become a pioneer on the corporate side. Lopez’s passion for innovation is driving real change that will soon touch customers, whether it’s AI-enhanced workflows or virtual assistant features.

It’s still early days, but the travel experience could look radically different thanks to AI. Lopez is committed to rolling it out responsibly and securing traveller trust. One thing is certain though – travel will never be the same again.

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview FCM Travel General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za