Transforming Airline Retailing in Nigeria: Verteil Technologies Hosts Exclusive Industry Event in Lagos
Verteil Technologies recently hosted an exclusive evening event in Lagos, Nigeria, on the 24th of January - bringing together key stakeholders from the aviation industry, including airlines, associations, and travel agents. The gathering underscored Verteil's commitment to revolutionizing airline retailing and distribution systems within Nigeria and beyond.
At the event, Satheesh Satchit, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Verteil Technologies highlighted the company's innovative approach to airline distribution. He emphasized how Verteil's direct connect platform empowers airlines to distribute their products and services to travel sellers worldwide at significantly reduced costs. This reduction is particularly impactful, considering that distribution is the third-largest expense for airlines, following fuel and staff costs. Satchit noted that the platform will eventually enable airlines to transition into a more retail-oriented model, offering additional services such as car rentals, hotels, meals, Wi-Fi vouchers, and lounge access. These ancillary services enhance the traveler experience and provide airlines with new revenue streams.
The event also served as an opportunity to recognize and reward top travel agencies in Nigeria that have adopted Verteil’s NDC technology solution. By leveraging this platform, these agencies have navigated the complexities of the flight booking process more efficiently, offering their clients a broader range of services and personalized travel options.
The significance of this event was further amplified by the presence of major international airlines, including Kenya Airways, United Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Air Peace. Their participation underscores the global aviation industry's recognition of Nigeria's burgeoning market and the pivotal role that innovative distribution solutions like Verteil's play in its development.
The event garnered attention from prominent media outlets, highlighting Verteil's impact on the Nigerian aviation sector. Business Day Nigeria published an article titled "How Verteil is revolutionizing airline retailing, distribution system in Nigeria," detailing the company's efforts to enhance the accessibility of travel by seamlessly connecting airlines and travel sellers.
Similarly, The Nation reported on Verteil's partnerships with Nigerian carriers, emphasizing the firm's commitment to deploying advanced technology solutions in the region.
Reflecting on Verteil's journey in Nigeria, Satchit stated, "We have established our footprints in Nigeria post-COVID-19. There are lots of customers and opportunities. We are currently speaking with regional airlines and the discussion on the next level of the relationship is ongoing. Nigeria is a good support market, huge potential, and with the use of the technology we have deployed, it is getting better with growing passenger traffic."
Verteil's direct interface with IATA's Financial Gateway (IFG) facilitates a cost-effective solution for airlines with simplified payment processes, helping them save costs and enable different forms of payment based on the geographic region of operation. This integration ensures that airlines can manage transactions efficiently, catering to the diverse needs of the global travel market.
The Company's platform offers access to over 50 NDC airlines, unlocking cheaper fares and exclusive promotions from various carriers to maximize savings. Users can effortlessly book with an intuitive interface, requiring minimal training for a seamless experience. Additionally, Verteil provides round-the-clock customer support, addressing technical and operational concerns promptly.
In conclusion, Verteil Technologies' recent event in Nigeria not only highlighted its innovative solutions in airline distribution but also reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships within the Nigerian and West African travel industry. With continuous technological advancements and a focus on collaborative growth, Verteil is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of air travel in Nigeria and beyond.