Fuel-saving design

Delta is backing JetZero’s blended-wing aircraft, a design that could cut fuel use and lower emissions. The aircraft’s shape makes it more aerodynamic, reducing drag and improving efficiency. 

If all goes well, these planes could be flying by 2027. For airlines, it’s a step toward greener travel. For passengers, it might mean quieter, roomier cabins. And for the industry it’s another push to rethink how planes are built for a lower-carbon future.

€200M to rethink flying

IAG is launching a €200 million fund to back travel and aviation startups. The focus is on digital upgrades, sustainability, and improving the passenger experience. It’s well known that airlines are under pressure to modernize, and IAG is betting on fresh ideas to keep up.

Whether it’s reducing carbon footprints, streamlining operations, or making flying better for travelers, this is IAG’s push for doing things different. A big opportunity for startups to secure funding and scale their solutions.

Groups will be groups

Group travel payments can be very messy - but Hands In wants to fix that. The UK-based startup, which was a finalist in last year’s FutureTravel Pitch Competition, raised €1.2 million to expand its split-payment system, which lets groups book trips together while paying their share individually. 

We recently covered their work with Air Europa, where they helped streamline group bookings through a smoother payment experience. For travel companies, this could mean fewer abandoned bookings and more completed group reservations. With group travel on the rise, removing payment friction could be a win for both travelers and businesses.

When AI sells travel

French startup Kleio has raised €3 million to grow its AI platform, which designs and manages chat agents for sales. The startups was founded in 2024, and already works with travel brands like Havas Voyages and Comptoir des Voyages.

By automating lead qualification, product recommendations, and follow-up messages, Kleio helps travel companies handle more inquiries without hiring extra staff. The platform also routes complex questions to real people when needed.

For operators, it’s a way of saving time on repetitive tasks and focus on bookings that need personal attention. The result could be higher conversion rates and better customer experiences.

Talking to guests

Hotels and restaurants are under pressure to do more with fewer staff, and Runner.ai is offering a solution. The startup, a finalist at the FutureTravel Pitch Competition in 2023, has recently secured fresh funding to expand its AI-powered guest communication platform, which helps businesses automate common requests, manage reservations, and direct complex inquiries to human staff. 

The goal is faster response times, reduced workload, and a smoother guest experience. With fewer staff on hand, hotels and restaurants are turning to AI not just for efficiency, but to keep operations running smoothly.

Launch your business with the backing of a global community.

Applications are closing soon for wmnsWORK’S next cohort, starting April 14th! 

wmnsWORK is a 12-week award-winning business accelerator for early-stage women/non-binary entrepreneurs in tourism - tour operators, travel agencies, and service-based businesses.

Participants will get weekly expert-led workshops, 1-on-1 & group mentorship, and peer support circles. Apply by March 14th to join their powerful community and boost your business. 

A big week for visibility

In case you missed it, last week we focused on women in travel, and you all made sure their impact was seen. We published the Top 100 Women Leaders & Innovators in Travel, and the response has been amazing.

Thanks for sharing, supporting, and helping amplify their work!

We also highlighted 10 female-founded startups to watch - different sectors, different stages, but all driving innovation. Always happy to have a good excuse to celebrate women pushing the industry forward :)