Business travel technology is changing at a rapid pace. Many of the exhibitors at this year’s Business Travel Show revealed new time and cost-saving offerings for the corporate market. Here are some of PA Life’s favourites. American Express Global Business Travel (pictured): AX Connect already provides bookers with a way to pinpoint and communicate with travellers. Now it features a mobile interface so users can get the same experience while on the go by receiving automatic alerts and allowing managers to track their movements and contact them via email or text message. americanexpress.com/uk
Cabfind
Following the announcement that it has been awarded a Region Growth Fund, Cabfind has introduced its new branding and expansion plans for 2014. The company, which has a fleet of more than 120,000 vehicles, revealed that the additional funding will allow it to improveits cab-ordering app at a new software development centre at its Birkenhead headquarters. cabfind.com
CTI
Contrary to popular belief, not all of the lowest airfares and hotel rates can be found online. CTI understands that sometimes an offline search is the best approach to finding a customer the cheapest deal, which is why the company has unveiled its Sherpa portal. The software is designed to flag up search criteria to an agent at the CTI office, who will then get you the best price. cti.co.uk
FCm
FCm has partnered with iJet International to introduce a Travel Risk Management programme. The new TRM platform utilises iJet’s risk intelligence and response hotline to provide bookers with a variety of services, including traveller tracking, communication via email and text messages, security alerts and 24-hour crisis support. Clients can choose which features they want based on their budget. fcm.travel
GetTaxi
GetTaxi has been developing industry-changing taxi-ordering apps since 2010 and this year revealed a self-service kiosk as its newest offering. These handy little tablets can be installed in any office, restaurant or hotel and allow clients to order and pay for a cab with the touch of a few buttons, leaving them time to finish their glass of wine, or send those last few emails. gettaxi.co.uk
HRS Corporate
Hotel solutions provider HRS Corporate presented the results of its recent major survey of more than 300 travel buyers and managers, which reveals that bookers want more content on TMC websites. In response to the findings, the company has announced its aim for the year is to increase the number of hotels it offers customers and expand its services to provide a complete booking solution. hrscorporate.com
Little’s
In order to meet the needs of business travellers, Little’s has announced a year-long investment programme to improve its customer services. The new online portal includes a digital client diary, real-time tracking system, financial reporting and the ability to store and quickly recall personalised information. The software will enable bookers to access their reservations 24 hours a day. littles.co.uk
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines has added Krabi in Thailand to its network with four flights a week and will now provide 21 weekly trips to Sydney and a daily, year-round service to Auckland. In addition, Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan has created a menu of limited-edition dishes for first-class and business-class passengers flying from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur. malaysiaairlines.com
Sire Technology
Many believe the business travel industry will grow rapidly over the next few years. To keep up with changing demands, Sire Technology has improved its corporate Cloud services. The company has developed a fail-safe product to provide its clients with better reporting, more accurate real-time data and scalable solutions that are flexible in responding to both business and IT developments. sire.co.uk
Water-to-Go
One of the things global business travellers have to keep in mind is that contaminated water can cause health problems and buying filtered bottles can be costly. Water-to-Go uses technology developed for NASA to purify water from any source. The handy plastic bottle can be used for up to three months. watertogo.eu
