Airline pricing has been named the top concern for buyers in 2015, according to the Business Travel Show’s annual buyer survey.
Ancillary fees, NDC and changes in traffic flow were cited as the reasons there are concerns among buyers in the airline category.
The study of 179 travel buyers from the UK and Europe showed that despite 36 per cent enjoying airline budget increases in 2014 and a third predicting further rises in 2015, a quarter will only provide business class travel for flights over eight hours. And a quarter will increase the usage of low cost carriers.
Airline pricing was named top concern ahead of: controlling costs and managing spend, policy compliance, increased hotel rates and traveller safety.
The survey showed 33 per cent of buyers will have more money to spend this year with almost half of buyers expecting to manage more trips in 2015.
Business Travel Show’s director David Chapple, said: “This year’s survey shows budgets are continuing to head in the right direction, which is great news and in line with predictions from the GBTA that Europe will enjoy a five per cent increase in business travel spend this year.
“But there is no doubt that buyers are still under pressure to buy smarter, negotiate harder and stretch their budgets for maximum results,” he added.
The survey also showed that 31 per cent of buyers had more to spend on accommodation in 2014. 12 per cent used budget accommodation more or significantly more in 2014. Serviced apartments account for less than 10 per cent of room nights for 84 per cent of buyers though 12 per cent of buyers did increase their use of apartments in 2014.
BBT is a media partner of the Business Travel Show which takes place at the Olympia Grand, London on February 25-26 2015.