AirAsia and Uber partner over seamless travel

CONNECTED: The partnership goes beyond promo codes to integrated marketing and tech

The ride-sharing company Uber and Asia’s fourth biggest airline have announced a partnership to provide ‘a seamless, affordable and convenient door-to-door experience for travellers’.

AirAsia and Uber said that this partnership extends beyond promo codes and discounted rides to joint marketing efforts and technological integration. The airline is one of a number of airlines to team up with the ride-sharing company, joining American Airlines and Jet Airways. In the case of American Airlines, this has involved messages sent from the carrier to customers’ phones reminding them to book an Uber as well as discounts. 

Like American Airlines, AirAsia will incorporate a “deeplink” feature that allows Uber riders to request or schedule rides when confirming, booking or checking in for flights.

Commenting on the partnership, Brooks Entwistle, Uber Chief Business Officer, Asia Pacific said, “Uber is thrilled to partner with AirAsia to offer customers exactly what they’re asking for – a seamless, affordable, and convenient travel experience. By working together, we can provide a service that allows customers to request their Uber ride to the airport in step with their itinerary and have their Uber driver partner waiting for them when their flight lands. So, whether you’re trying to get home to see your family, or heading to an important business meeting; your travel experience should be seamless, from door-to-door!”

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “AirAsia is always looking to complement its award-winning inflight experience with services outside the plane that meet our exacting standards. We have found the right ride partner in Uber. Working with Uber allows our guests to plan their entire trip from the moment they step out of their home right until they arrive at their destination, providing amazing travel comfort and peace of mind.”

The two companies will work together  in the 52 cities in 16 markets across Asia Pacific and the US, where AirAsia operates and the Uber app is available.

Both asserted that they were the right partners for each other, as ‘leading brands in their respective categories’. AirAsia has been named Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for nine years in a row from 2009 to 2017 and boasts an annual passenger traffic within Asia Pacific of 60 million while Uber is available in over 500 cities in more than 70 countries worldwide.