BTN Expert Q&A

Airline content aggregator startup DRCT is positioning itself as a "neo-airline," connecting its airline partners directly to travel sellers with AI technology to optimize demand and pricing, including New Distribution Capability content. DRCT managing partner and cofounder Viktor Nekrylov spoke with BTN executive editor... Keep Reading

Corporate spend management startup Ramp last month leapt into the travel management space with the launch of the Ramp for Travel tool, designed to let clients set policies and spending limits, monitor compliance and view data via a dashboard. Ramp head of partnerships Benjamin Alderman spoke with BTN executive editor Michael... Keep Reading

CWT last month pledged to launch new capabilities throughout this year after implementing a recapitalization plan that includes a $100 million investment in product development. CWT EVP and chief technology officer John Pelant recently spoke with BTN executive editor Michael B. Baker about the travel management company's... Keep Reading

As travel buyers continue to grapple with unused flight credits lingering from the early days of the pandemic, UATP has played a key role in developing a platform to help buyers and airlines manage those credits. UATP president, CEO and chairman Ralph Kaiser recently spoke with BTN executive editor Michael B. Baker to provide... Keep Reading

Short-term rental provider Sonder this week debuted on the Nasdaq stock exchange after shareholders approved its merger with special purpose acquisition company Gores Metropoulos II. The day after, Sonder founder and CEO Francis Davidson talked with BTN lodging editor Terri Hardin about the importance of... Keep Reading

Latam Airlines Group on Friday announced that it has filed a reorganization plan to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection via an $8.19 billion infusion to the airline group through new equity, convertible notes and debt load reduction. Over the course of that process, Latam has been cutting costs and adjusting its fleet, but... Keep Reading

Larry Cuculic took over as BWH Hotels president and CEO on Dec. 1. He's been with the hotel company for more than a decade, as part of the general counsel's office, making his selection to succeed long-time leader David Kong not the most predictable choice. He spoke with BTN senior editor Donna M. Airoldi in early November... Keep Reading

Cvent founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal spoke with BTN about its plans to be listed on the Nasdaq exchange the morning of Dec. 9. He also talked about the benefits of going public and the future of the meetings industry.... Keep Reading

Freshly following the completion of its acquisition by American Express Global Business Travel, Egencia last week announced plans to hire about 100 new full-time, tech-focused employees across the United States, Europe and India as part of a "major recruitment drive." Egencia president Mark Hollyhead spoke with BTN executive... Keep Reading

Southwest Airlines last week celebrated the 15th anniversary of its launch of operations in Denver, which since has grown into one of the largest centers of business for the carrier. Southwest EVP and chief commercial officer Andrew Watterson spoke with BTN transportation editor Michael B. Baker during the event about the... Keep Reading