Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Travelers Can Now Buy Malaysia Airlines Tickets on Facebook

It’s great to know that businesses in Asia are keeping up with the trend. This time, Malaysia Airlines has integrated its ticket booking system with its Facebook page. Yes, travelers can now buy tickets directly via Facebook without leaving the social network.

If I haven’t not mistaken, Malaysia Airlines is probably the first Asia-based airline to adopt Facebook as a sales channel (F-commerce).

Buying a ticket is just 5 steps away. Within Facebook itself, the system could check whether tickets are available. If it isn’t, it will offer tickets closest to your desired date of travel. The Facebook application (MHbuddy) will also alert you if any of your friends happened to travel to the same destination with Malaysia Airlines as well.

“Our customers are spending more and more time on social networks and Malaysia Airlines is one of the most active airlines using social media to drive revenue. We have over 380,000 fans who actively engage with us on our existing social media channels,” said Dr. Amin Khan, Malaysia Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial Strategy in a statement.

Besides purchasing tickets, consumers can also retrieve flight details and check-in via Facebook before boarding. Although other airlines (e.g Delta) have also allowed consumers to purchase tickets on Facebook, checking-in is something new in the airline industry.

Malaysia Airlines has been quick to adopt technology to improve consumer experience and convenience. Prior to this Facebook application, the airline introduced an augmented reality iPhone application that allows customers to pick up the best airline deals from near airport. In 2009, the airline also launched the popular MHmobile which enables travelers to book flights and access up to date travel information while on the move.

Source: Penn Olson

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