American Express GBT acquires 30SecondsToFly to boost corporate traveler experience

American Express Global Business Travel has acquired 30SecondsToFly, with terms of the deal undisclosed.

30SecondsToFly, founded in 2016, offers an artificial intelligence-driven messaging service for corporate travelers.

The corporate travel management giant says the technology complements its existing offering and will improve the travel experience through additional self-service options.

Gabriel Ayache, Amex GBT director of new business ventures, says: “Many business travelers want the speed and convenience of self-service. But they also take comfort in knowing that teams of travel counsellors are always there to have their backs.”

The technology will be integrated into existing services in the coming months, and 30SecondsToFly AI developers are joining the company. 

Riccardo Vittoria, CEO of 30SecondsToFly, says: “We believe that intelligent chat is the new standard for corporate travel service. We are very proud to help drive this at scale for GBT.”

30SecondsToFly has attracted interest from a number of travel companies in recent years with, most recently, Flight Centre increasing its stake in the company to about 10% about 18 months ago.

It also had exclusivity to use Claire, 30SecondsToFly’s chat assistant, for two years.

In late December, 30SecondstoFly received investment from Navigator, the accelerator program from the venture arms of El Al and JetBlue.

A year ago, 30SecondstoFly won the General Catalyst Award for Travel Innovation at the Phocuswright Conference.

* Check out these two clips from that event.