An application will be launched in the second quarter for iPhone users, followed by Android and BlackBerry users by the end of 2011. Typically, this application will include a wide range of services such as access to the travel file, online check-in with airlines and alerts in the event of delays or cancellations, itinerary tracking, weather information, geolocation to find a hotel or restaurant, etc. Not forgetting a link with Egencia customer service in the event of problems.
The security and location of the traveller during a trip are an integral part of this mobile offering. Egencia recommends that travel managers "provide approved mobile devices and encourage employees to use these platforms." France's third-largest business travel agency bases its findings on a study commissioned from Business Travel Media Group. "We wanted to develop our customers' ability to manage the safety of their travellers and emergency response in the event of major events such as an ash cloud, an attack or a natural disaster...".says Simon Tam, Vice President of Egencia.
The study recommends that companies should be aware of their employees' mobile phone numbers, and that these should work when abroad. It also suggests sending text messages in an emergency, and implementing a specific security strategy for high-risk destinations.
