INTERNATIONAL. Digital vouchering platform iCoupon has revealed new data about its usage that points to an accelerated digitalisation of the passenger experience and airport ecosystem.
The iCoupon voucher platform, which enables its adoptees to issue digital vouchers directly to passenger boarding passes, has experienced strong growth since the start of the pandemic. In the last 18 months, the company said it has won ten new travel retail contracts, been implemented by seven major airlines, and has expanded its network to cover a further 30 key airports worldwide.
Since its launch in 2015, iCoupon has issued over 800 million vouchers to date. The company matched its pre-pandemic levels in July this year. The growth, it said, comes from a combination of new airlines and retailers joining the network, as well as existing customers increasing their presence.
With flight schedules affected by the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, vouchering has become an essential tool for ensuring passengers receive compensation in line with regulations, such as EU261, and that eligible staff and passengers receive meal entitlements, noted the company.
Richard Bye, CEO and Chairman of iCoupon, said: “It goes without saying that airlines and airports have had to radically rethink the way they operate their businesses and how they serve their customers. The last year-and-a-half has really highlighted the importance of using digital tools within the travel sector to offer a more streamlined, contact-free and convenient service.
“Many factors have influenced this shift to digitalisation: passenger needs have evolved due to the effects of the pandemic; consumers are demanding tangible sustainability measures; and digital, automated services are now expected as standard. Our rapid growth is symptomatic of the scale and pace of digitalisation within the industry and highlights the wide-reaching benefits of offering an improved passenger experience via digital channels.”
Lufthansa Group Senior Director Airport & Ground Experience Falk Durm said: “As Lufthansa Group, we were looking for a direct service solution to help our customers in the event of flight irregularities. We chose iCoupon because the company offers an innovative digital solution and is available nationwide at our most important hubs. iCoupon demonstrates eagerness and commitment to continuously adapting its product to the needs of our customers. Together with iCoupon, the Lufthansa Group now offers digital meal voucher solutions at more than 50 destinations worldwide. In this way, iCoupon contributes to rapid assistance for our customers in the event of flight irregularities. In addition, we achieved reduced handling costs and a more efficient accounting process.”
The success of the company was recently formally recognised, when iCoupon scooped a Prolific North Tech Award.
