Air services provider dnata, part of the Emirates Group, has acquired a majority stake in artificial intelligence (AI) travel technology company bd4travel.
The company will remain independent within the dnata group and will continue to develop and implement its AI-fuelled travel shopping personalisation technology across the industry.
Bd4travel’s platform uses machine learning and algorithms to generate real-time user profiles and instant recommendations for the most relevant products, content and services to each customer. It currently has clients in 17 markets running more than 40 separate sites, including OTAs such as Expedia, Travel Republic and Holidaycheck.
The company says dnata’s investment will help it to accelerate the development of its technology for existing clients and improve access to AI-driven personalisation across the travel sector.
Andy Owne Jones, founder of bd4travel, said: “Gaining a company like dnata as a new majority shareholder was important for us. Their global backing will enable us to grow the business in areas of the world where we are not well represented today. They will also support us to expand our service for existing customers. As a long-term client of bd4travel, they now want to push the boundaries of our solution as well as being a sounding board for new ideas. In taking their position in bd4travel, dnata has made a long-term and visionary bet on how the industry will evolve and how they can stay at the forefront of the coming transformation.”
Iain Andrew, divisional senior VP of travel services at dnata, said: “At dnata we are constantly looking for ways to embrace innovation to maximise efficiency and ensure service excellence. Our experience of working with bd4travel as one of their customers convinced us of the relevance and potential of their offering. We find their technology a game-changer in the travel industry and, as a global company, we are pleased to bring the team on board to deliver on a broader scale.”
bd4travel.com; dnata.com