Easyjet is open to discussions with business travel buyers and managers about fares and services, Carolyn McCall told delegates at the ITM Intelligence Conference.
In her speech, the Easyjet CEO said the airline was looking to improve the way it interacts with buyers and other stakeholders in the business travel sector.
“We need to communicate a bit better,” she admitted.
When asked about corporate deals, McCall said Easyjet's prices are its discount. However, Easyjet must talk to buyers and travel management companies (TMCs), she said:
“We know if we really want to talk to make a difference and grow this [business travel] market, we must engage with this. We will talk to people.”
In a bid to start closer relationships within the business travel sector, Easyjet has created a new head of sales position in the UK.
“We never had a sales team before,” said McCall. This team is set to expand to seven people in the UK, with more teams based elsewhere in Europe.
McCall also said Easyjet would be targeting improved relations with TMCs in the future.
“We want to work with TMCs,” she said. “It is the only way to lower net travel costs.”
The lower prices offered by no-frills carriers such as Easyjet gives businesses an opportunity to tighten their travel budget, McCall told ITM delegates.
“I believe we are a force for good,” she said. “We believe we have a joint opportunity to drive down travel costs and provide a good experience.”
Easyjet has been courting the business traveller in recent months, following the launch of its flexible fares.