Branchspace revolutionizes digital travel retail with end-to-end connectivity
Branchspace has set out to break barriers of legacy technology and create optimum ways to plan, book and experience travel. The IATA digital ID proof-of-concept for contactless, global travel is just one example of the Branchspace team’s power
Branchspace, a leading digital software and consulting company, is at the forefront of digital transformation and modern retailing for airlines, airports and other travel companies, solidifying its pivotal role in the industry's future. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in London, UK, the company is driven by the fact that travelers are seeking digital solutions that inspire, increase efficiency and ease, plus keep their data secure.
“At Branchspace, we set off to disrupt the digital retailing space and create end-to-end experiences with technology and consulting services,” explains Marketing Manager Renata Buranello. “Purchasing physical products and services is being reinvented in the digital space and the travel industry is no exception.” As revealed by Buranello, Euromonitor International reported 66% of all bookings were conducted online in 2023, and mobile accounted for 35% of all online sales.
Buranello provides a situational reference to a traveling businesswoman named Christine in need of a new phone while at the airport. Through Branchspace’s dynamic retailing platform, Triplake, Christine could search, ensure availability and purchase a phone from the duty free store, in addition to scheduling delivery to the gate. To generate greater connectivity, airline loyalty points could be applied to the purchase, which might include additional duty free items.
“This is one example of Branchspace's mission to improve the end-to-end retailing experiences airlines and travel companies offer to meet evolving customer needs for modern, personalized, and seamless shopping and self-servicing experiences,” she says.
Triplake: Modern retailing at your fingertips
Described as tech agnostic, Triplake is programmed with an agile, self-learning approach and consists of several modules that cover the entire digital ecosystem of airlines, airports and travel suppliers. “For years now, legacy providers have neglected the changes to customer behaviors, travel preferences and travel retail habits. Triplake’s mission is to break barriers and address these industry issues,” she continues. “Triplake transcends a standard internet booking engine and is a comprehensive and modular digital commerce platform that offers data-driven dynamic retailing capabilities and best-in-class conversion through real-time, personalized offers.”
Branchspace’s Triplake has gained a lot of traction since its inception. Its customers include Oman Air, KM Malta Airlines and Air Mauritius, where Buranello points out it recently launched a completely revamped digital ecosystem, comprising a new mobile app, website portal and a comprehensive suite of booking, servicing, check-in and loyalty experiences that are customer-centric and native.
Branchspace’s retailing platform, Triplake, has been built with a modular and flexible approach that covers the entire, end-to-end, digital ecosystem of travel suppliers
Mutual value creation
There is growing interest among other verticals such as airports, hospitality and cruise companies in Triplake, which Buranello says is a testament to its ability to revolutionize the travel experience via advanced digital retailing solutions. Since travel companies of all types share several stages, behaviors and pain points across the customer journey, there is an opportunity among non-aeronautical travel companies to develop a seamless end-to-end experience.
“Travelers look for solutions which cover each part of the journey seamlessly. At airports, for example, they want to avoid queues and increase convenience,” she explains. “Triplake can bring these solutions to life through a marketplace that hosts all the airport's various vendors and services such as parking reservations, security Fast Track, lounges, eateries, accessibility services, duty free retailers, transport and mobility and more. And it is the customer who can choose when and where they want to buy the services, for example, directly with the airport, the airline or cruise company.”
This also applies to other travel companies. Buranello notes the revenue opportunities for cruise companies don’t end when the trip is booked. Customers tend to book certain products and services closer to the start of the journey. “There are also ancillary purchases and upgrades available related to lodging, meal plans, onboard entertainment and services and destination excursions,” she adds.
Thanks to traveler segmentation and real-time data, the platform optimizes travel companies’ ability to synchronize and transform their communications for personalized offers and trip-related information.
Breaking barriers across frontiers: IATA’s digital ID proof-of-concept
In 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully tested an end-to-end digital ID proof-of-concept (PoC) that allows travelers to use biometric digital credentials to verify their identity at every stage of their journey. This covers the process from purchasing a ticket to security control and immigration at the airport. The Branchspace team is now building on this success and “taking significant strides” to enhance seamless, contactless travel with this last frontier.
“This year, we will demonstrate interoperability among various technical partners and airports, highlighting the collaborative efforts necessary to bring this vision to life,” shares Buranello. “As an integrator, Branchspace is at the forefront, orchestrating a cohesive user experience that not only showcases our technological prowess, but also reinforces its position as a market leader for the best possible digital experiences in the travel industry."
According to Buranello, this PoC is an absolute game-changer. “This project is not just another milestone for us; it represents a transformative shift in how people will experience travel in the future. By eliminating friction points and integrating advanced technologies, we are setting a new standard for convenience, efficiency and safety in air travel. The potential impact of this project is immense, promising to revolutionize the industry and create a more enjoyable and streamlined journey for millions of travelers worldwide,” she says.
