Andy Jack: Apps a valuable tool for modern business traveller

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One of the biggest corporate travel trends for 2014 is catering for the technology-savvy business traveller.

We are finding business travellers are increasingly focused on technology and want to be up-to-date with the latest information, wherever they are in the world. The appetite for smart device apps is growing rapidly.

There are some great apps with local carriers to keep you up to date with your travel plans, such as the Air New Zealand app. These apps are great at consolidating your flight details so your travel information is stored in one place. The only limitation is that they only account for tickets booked with that particular airline.

If your company partners with a travel management company, they are likely to have an app that shows all of your trip details over multiple carriers, local travel advice, alert functions to advise you about delays and alternative options if your travel plans are disrupted.

In addition, companies that have a large number of employees travelling are putting a strong focus on both return on investment for the company and its duty of care policy.

Travel is often the third-biggest cost for a business and if a company is facing difficult times, this is usually the first cost that can be controlled. Companies are relying heavily on detailed reporting and the management of travel policies and purchasing to drive savings for their business.

One client recently reduced the cost of domestic travel by 23 per cent within six months and achieved a 16 per cent reduction in the average booking cost in the last quarter. This was achieved by putting a firm travel policy in place and reviewing the airfares and airline carriers they were purchasing from.

• Andy Jack is general manager for FCM Travel Solutions.