Etihad Airways has announced its partnership with Chinese tech giant Tencent to innovate and digitize its services in the travel industry. Both companies would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to identify the opportunities that would develop from its partnership.
The agreement between Etihad Airways and Tencent would improve the former's guest experience, broaden customer choice, and promote customer engagement with Chinese investors.
The MoU stated that Etihad would acquire Tencent's cloud computing services and utilize its social media platforms such as WeChat. The mobile application houses more than one billion monthly active users and is the largest social media platform in the country.
According to the chief commercial officer of Etihad Aviation Group Robin Kamak, the companies' collaboration would benefit Etihad more by improving its customer services through the largest digital platform in China. The said service would be used by Chinese users with the option of speaking the country's language on their desired platform.
The airline company expects that the Tencent services would boost its customer engagement business strategy through the launch of its distinct WeChat Mini Program. The said program would allow users to use advanced features without the need to download separate interfaces or download content from Etihad Airways.
The company first launched its Mini Program last 2017 through a public WeChat account, but perceives that the modified partnership with the Chinese tech giant would enable it to reach more Chinese customers in the future.
Kamark added that Tencent has exceptional technologies that would drive innovation of Etihad products and services. He also claimed that the partnership would unlock further technological capacities of the company.
On top of this, Kamark also claimed that the partnership signaled the strong support of Etihad Airways to China amid the recurring public health crisis. He also claimed that daily flights to Abu Dhabi and Beijing are challenging for its personnel, but the company is willing to continue its support for China to express solidarity.
According to Tencent International Business Group vice president Poshu Yeung, the MoU between the companies reinforces the commitment between two countries. He also highlighted that the pragmatic cooperation roadmap would open doors for more innovative business strategies in the travel industry.
Furthermore, Poshu added that the partnership would also boost China's outbound tourism and further the country's footprint in the Middle East market.
In view of the public health crisis in China, Etihad Airways have adopted flexible rebooking policies over travel concerns and cancellations. The company currently allows its customers to book a complimentary date or destination change for scheduled flights until April 7, 2020.
