UK. FLIO, described as the first global airport App, launched today for Apple’s iPhone and other iOS devices.
In addition to free, one-click Wi-Fi access, FLIO offers comprehensive airport information and exclusive retail offers. FLIO is available as a free download for iPhone at: http://getflio.com with an Android version set to launch later in the year.
Stephan Uhrenbacher (founder of Qype and 9flats.com) and associates (including former BAA Group Retail Director and World Duty Free Group Chairman Brian Collie) built the App in order to make the airport a more intuitive and enjoyable experience for travellers.
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One of FLIO’s key features is its ability to give users instant, one-click access to airport Wi-Fi. FLIO gets users online in seconds by removing the step of entering personal details. This process of automating connections to public Wi-Fi is completely new through proprietary FLIO technology.
The app supports more than 30 free airport Wi-Fi networks at launch with the plan to expand to 200 airports within the next three months.
Its founders described FLIO as “the one-stop solution for the most common challenges at airports”. The App offers tips and insights to help make the most of travellers’ time at the airport, including up-to-the-minute airport information and special discounts for key retailers and restaurants.
Key features include:
• Exclusive offers and special discounts from retailers, including World Duty Free, Upper Crust, Giraffe, Garfunkel’s and more.
• Valuable information such as recommended activities for layovers, the fastest route into the city, smoking areas, kids’ areas, etc.
• FLIO will also add the ability to book many airport-related services within the App, including access to security fast track, lounges and transportation
Leading global travel search site, Skyscanner, will serve as FLIO’s launch co-marketing sponsor.
Launched in 2003, Skyscanner offers travelers around the globe the chance to discover the best fares on offer.
Similarly, FLIO gives travellers the power to discover and choose from the best airport services on offer. FLIO and Skyscanner will cross promote their services through their respective platforms, and Skyscanner will introduce FLIO to their more than 40 million unique monthly visitors globally.
“As a frequent flyer, I wanted something to take the stress out of my time at the airport and help me locate the information and services I cared about,” said FLIO CEO Stephan Uhrenbacher.
“I got in touch last year with Brian Collie, who had also been Chairman at lastminute.com when I was there, and he and I set about looking at the App opportunity from the perspective of airports, retailers, caterers, brands and, most importantly, travellers.
“FLIO was born out of the desire to make the entire airport experience better, and in developing the App, we considered travellers’ needs from the moment they step foot in the airport.”
World Duty Free Head of UK Marketing & Global Digital Ben Deller said: “World Duty Free serves millions of passengers every year as they pass through our airport stores, and we are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage with both new and existing customers. We wanted to partner with FLIO because the App, like our business, is global, and their mobile platform will allow us to push tailored offers in real-time to flyers. FLIO will help us drive incremental footfall to our airport-based stores in the UK and around the world.”
About FLIO
FLIO is a product of Air Media Solutions, founded in London in January 2015 by Stephan Uhrenbacher (CEO), Brian Collie (Chairman), Andy Watson and Ken Knoll.
Andy Watson was one of the early employees at Spotify and helped to grow the business across the UK, the USA and Asia. Stephan Uhrenbacher is an internet entrepreneur and investor who helped build some of the most iconic Web 2.0 brands, including lastminute.com, 9flats and Qype (sold to US technology company Yelp in 2012).
