Episode Notes

Delta Air Lines is launching two routes this fall that will serve Austin. But that expansion may come too late for Delta to overtake the market share of rivals American and Southwest in the city, reports Edward Russell, editor of Skift Airline Weekly.   

Delta will connect Austin, one of the U.S.’ fastest-growing cities, to Las Vegas and Orlando daily beginning on October 9. Russell notes those routes follow frequency additions on seven existing Delta routes from Austin. The Atlanta-based carrier will operate up to 39 daily departures from Austin by August, a jump from 31 a day in May.  

However, Russell asks if Delta’s new service to Austin is a case of too little, too late. Delta trails both Southwest and American by double-digit percentage points in terms of market share in Austin. Russell adds that Delta is a long way from matching and setting itself apart from Southwest and American’s offerings in the city. American will offer close to double the number of seats from Austin this year as it did in 2019. 

Next, Sojern, a business-to-business marketing platform for travel brands, is expanding into hotel tech via its newest acquisition. Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes explains what Sojern is looking to accomplish. 

Sojern announced on Tuesday it acquired VenueLytics, a company that provides guest management and communications software for independent hotels. Dawes reports the tech from VenueLytics will power the new Sojern Guest Experience Solutions business. In addition, the new technology coming on board includes an artificial intelligence chatbot that can automatically send pre-stay greetings as well as automate guest interactions. Dawes notes desk staff at hotels should be freed up to perform more complicated duties. 

Sojern Chief Solutions Officer Kurt Weinsheimer said the company has seen hotels reduce front desk calls by up to 70% by implementing an AI-powered concierge. 

Finally, Middle Eastern carriers are playing a leading role in the aviation industry’s global recovery, reports Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia in Skift’s Middle East Travel Roundup. 

Airlines in the region saw traffic in May reach 17% above 2019 levels, according to a report by the International Air Transport Association. Middle Eastern carriers also saw a 31% traffic increase in May compared to the same month last year. Bhutia adds international aviation traffic in May hit 96% of pre-pandemic levels.