With global air travel projected to reach 5.2 billion passengers in 2025, Expedia Group is stepping in and partnering to help major airlines — including Hawaiian Airlines, avianca, and Turkish Airlines boost bookings, expand market share and engage travelers at key decision-making moments.
Expedia Group’s research reveals a significant opportunity for airlines, showing that nearly 60 percent of travelers do not have a specific destination in mind or may consider multiple destinations when first deciding to take a trip. This opens a unique window for airlines to influence traveler decisions through strategic, personalized offers at key moments in the booking process.
James Marshall, Vice President, Global Air Account Management, Expedia Group said in a statement, "In this dynamic market, airlines are seeking ways to differentiate themselves. Our data-driven approach helps increase bookings and expand market reach through personalized, timely offers.”
He added, “We support our partners with diverse tools and resources, like Flights Sponsored Listings, which is just one of many levers airlines can use to capture demand and drive growth. These solutions enable airlines to capitalize on trends and navigate the evolving air travel landscape effectively.”
Flight Sponsored Listings boost airline visibility with advanced targeting whether launching new routes, filling seats or expanding into new markets. Global data confirms the effectiveness of this approach, with participating airlines experiencing an average 8 percent increase in ticket sales and nearly 10 percent in gross booking value.
By using Flight Sponsored listings results:
- avianca boosted awareness and conversion on key US to Central and South America routes. Tailored ads and a prominent search position revealed a 13.5 percent increase in market share and a 64 percent surge in ticket sales for the first half of 2024.
- Hawaiian Airlines leveraged stand out routes from the continental US and Japan to Hawaii. Showcasing unique offerings and non-stop flights, the airline engaged high-intent travelers at the critical decision-making point in the journey, resulting in an 8 percent increase in ticket sales and a 5 percent rise in gross booking revenue year-over-year.
- Turkish Airlines expanded its U.S. presence to boost travel to Turkey and increased route visibility and promoted their growing network, collectively driving brand awareness and ticket sales. This strategy led to a 12 percent year-over-year increase in ticket sales and an 8.7 percent increase in booking value on their Istanbul route, helping them capture market share against competitors.
Overall, Expedia Group has seen a 7 percent increase in airline ticket sales year-over-year, a 46 percent increase in airline ticket sales year-over-year in Europe, and a 14.4 percent and 11.6 percent increase in market share in Asia Pacific and Europe respectively.
Additionally, Expedia's 2025 Air Hacks report debunks common air travel myths. Contrary to the belief that there is best day of the week to book flights, booking international flights on a Sunday instead of a Friday can save up to 13 percent.
Expedia also announced a brand-new Flight Deals tool on its app, now live in the US, allowing travelers to browse current deals from their home airport and featuring fares at least 20 percent cheaper than the typical estimated price.
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