Many platforms, such as Etihad Airways, have made travel effortless and pleasant for travelers across the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. Modern companies are exploring the possibility of creating an app like Etihad Airways that offers advanced capabilities for local users. As the hotel and flight booking market continues to grow, this can be beneficial.

To achieve this, they need to be knowledgeable about various subjects, such as the development process, as well as the features and methods of monetization, to facilitate the creation of applications.

Let’s dive into this blog and learn how to build an app like Etihad Airways that includes detailed information.

Understanding the Etihad Airways App

This Etihad Airways app prioritizes operating with a B2C model. It assists users in booking flights on the platform, offering options such as seat upgrades, reward points, and 24/7 travel assistance.

The site also offers B2B services for corporate travel and programs that facilitate partnerships with businesses. These solutions help business clients organize their trips, bookings, and travel plans more effectively on a larger scale.

A travel booking app like Etihad Airways, shows how the use of digital tools can transform travel into a pleasant and user-driven experience. If you’ve decided to put your money into the creation of an app such as Etihad Airways, make sure to examine the business model of the company and find out how it can maintain its position in the market:

Key Notes Of This Business Model:

  • The application enables Etihad Airways to maintain full control over customer interactions and bookings, eliminating the need for a third-party service.
  • It integrates global payments as well as local currency types and other languages to reach a wider audience.
  • It keeps its users on their toes by offering updates, reminders, and easy tracking of travel.
  • It decreases customer support issues through self-service options like mobile check-in or Boarding passes.
  • Rewards, deals, and even upgrades within the app can help build customer loyalty more quickly.
  • The model reduces the cost of commissions that are paid to third-party agents or platforms.
  • A travel booking app like Etihad Airways, helps build long-term user confidence through a consistent experience on the app.

Features That You Should Integrate Into Your Travel App

Features are among the most essential and fundamental elements in any app development. What are the most important features to incorporate when creating your travel and tourism application? The most important features we would recommend include, as listed below:

Easy Registration

A popular feature you can integrate into your travel app is a simple and quick registration. Travel apps should feature an easy registration process to minimize user frustration. This can be accomplished by providing options such as logging in to social media (Facebook, Google) or simple email registration. Additionally, a simple registration process allows users to sign up and start exploring the application’s features.

Personalized Recommendation

Travel apps should utilize AI and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations based on user preferences, previous searches, and booking history. This feature improves the user experience and boosts engagement. The personalized recommendations demonstrate that you are aware of your customers’ needs and preferences, making your app relevant and valuable to them.

Real-Time Updates

It is possible to provide real-time updates regarding the status of flights, as well as weather conditions and local events. This informs the user and helps them plan their travels efficiently. For instance, if a flight becomes delayed or canceled, travelers are notified immediately and can adjust their schedule accordingly. Similarly, real-time weather updates will help travelers pack properly and avoid unexpected weather-related delays.

Offline Functionality

One of the main advantages of travel apps is the ability to operate offline. This means that even in areas with limited or no internet access, users can still utilize their travel plans, as well as maps and other details.

It’s beneficial for travellers who are travelling in remote areas where internet connectivity may be erratic or unavailable. Make sure to consider this when creating your travel application.

Social Integration

It is possible to allow users to communicate with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter integration. This allows them to post their travel experiences, receive suggestions, and stay in touch, even while traveling. This can help your company gain visibility and reach a wider audience.

Booking Functionality

Booking functionality is a very popular feature to incorporate into a travel application. Similarly, drawing inspiration from this, ensure that your app includes the ability to book tickets.

By integrating various functions on a single platform, you eliminate the need for users to switch between different websites or applications, resulting in a more seamless and efficient trip planning experience.

You can offer users bookings for hotels, flights, or other activities directly within your application. When developing an app for corporate travel, ensure that you don’t forget to add booking features such as multi-user booking and credit card authorization to guarantee secure payment and speedy approval processes.

Customer Support

Customer support is essential in today’s society. To create a successful travel application on the market, you must be able to assist in times of need. Customers expect a prompt response to their queries. Ensure a prompt response to keep customers satisfied. Therefore, it is essential to offer multiple options for users to contact support, including on-demand chat within the app, email, and telephone. This lets users select the best method that meets their requirements.

Ratings & Reviews

One of the most amazing features we often see in Airbnb-like apps is reviews and ratings. It’s now a requirement that other customers will gain an insight into the experience.

Furthermore, positive reviews can improve the visibility of your app on App stores and help attract new users. Conversely, negative reviews can provide valuable insights into addressing problems and enhancing the overall quality of your app.

Language Translation

The ability to translate languages is a crucial feature for travel apps to incorporate, particularly for those targeting international travelers.

By enabling translation into other languages through the provision of translation capabilities, users can connect with locals, read foreign menus and signs, and navigate unfamiliar environments much more quickly. This feature will enhance the user experience overall and help make travel more accessible to people with diverse backgrounds.

Advanced Features of a Travel Booking App

When you decide to develop a mobile-friendly travel app, advanced features are essential because they can help you improve the user experience and set the app apart.

Advanced Reality Experience

With a variety of industries harnessing the potential of AR technology, it is possible to create immersive experiences for users. For instance, you can allow users to explore virtual locations or even view landmarks overlaid over real-world scenes using their smartphone camera.

Social Media Integration

Develop a sense of belonging to a community by incorporating social networking features that foster a sense of community. Users can communicate with fellow travelers, discuss their experiences, and even join various travel groups. This can improve the tourism experience by allowing people to socialize and offer valuable advice from fellow travelers.

Offline Navigation

The ability to access offline maps significantly enhances the functionality of your travel booking application. Even in areas with low or no internet connection, users should still be able to utilize offline navigation and map tools. This is essential for those traveling to remote locations or experiencing network interruptions. Including this feature in your travel booking app is crucial for enhancing the user experience.

Voice-Based Search and Commands

Use the technology of voice recognition to enable users to locate locations, ask questions, or make reservations with their voice. This feature is hands-free and beneficial for travelers on the go.

Personalized Itineraries

Be sure to go beyond the basic suggestions and design individualized itineraries that reflect the user’s desires, preferences, and travel style. Integrate AI and machine learning to recommend interesting experiences and hidden treasures that align with the individual’s preferences.

Benefits of Developing a Travel Booking App Like Etihad Airways

There are numerous benefits to developing an app like Etihad Airways for business purposes. The apps improve the customer experience, speed up booking processes, and offer growth opportunities:

24/7 Booking Convenience

Users can search, compare, and book flights at any time and from anywhere by using travel booking apps. Develop an app like Etihad Airways to improve customer satisfaction and increase reservations. In addition, it reduces dependence on traditional ticket booths.

Increased Revenue Opportunities

Total income is boosted by incorporating features such as dynamic pricing, a common feature of mobile travel apps in the UAE. At checkout, apps could promote high-end services, insurance, and hotel bookings. The consistent revenue generation across different services is made possible by targeted promotions.

Real-Time Updates

Instant notifications on gate and promotion changes, as well as delays on aircraft, can be received through Etihad Airways’ app development services. This improves the experience and keeps users engaged throughout. It also increases customer confidence and reduces the number of support requests.

Customer Data Insights

Apps collect valuable user data such as preferences, travel history, and behaviour. Companies can use this information to improve services or tailor services via B2C service development for travel websites. Operations and marketing strategies could be influenced by data analysis.

Brand Visibility & Loyalty

The use of mobile apps helps customers remember your brand and improves brand recognition. Loyalty programs enhance customer retention and help reduce the cost of building an app like Etihad Airways. A consistent online presence enhances both credibility and long-term user engagement.

Challenges Faced While Developing a Travel Booking App like Etihad Airways

Creating a travel booking app like Etihad Airways can be an exciting yet challenging project. If you’re considering the best way to make an app for travel, you’ll encounter a variety of issues during the development process. Let me guide you through the main challenges and provide efficient ways to tackle them, ensuring successful development.

Integrating Real-Time Data

Real-time updates are the foundation of any travel app, as they enable users to access real-time flight schedules, hotel availability, weather forecasts, and local events.

It is essential to ensure that your data is reliable. This requires developing robust APIs and maintaining relationships with trustworthy sources. If you don’t do this, your users will rapidly lose faith in your application.

Providing a Seamless User Experience

Travelers do value simplicity. If your application is slow, difficult to navigate, or messy, people will be able to remove it in a short time. To create a travel application that users love, focus on simple designs, user-friendly interfaces, and easy access to key features such as maps, bookings, and itineraries. This will make your app stand out from the crowd.

Managing High Competition

With giants such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb on the market, the travel app business is highly competitive. To ensure your app stands out among these giants, it is essential to have unique features such as AI-powered trip recommendations, offline access, and even virtual tours that utilize augmented reality.

Handling Data Security

It is essential to ensure that your users’ data is secure at all times, as it is vital when creating an app for travel. Secure payment gateways, encryption, and compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR are not a matter of course for protecting sensitive data, such as payment details and personal preferences.

Implementing Multi-Language Support

Since travel apps cater to an international audience, ensuring multi-currency and multilingual options is essential. It is necessary to have effective technology planning and localization efforts to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers worldwide.

Ensuring Offline Functionality

Many travelers rely on your app for travel destinations where there is no internet connection. If you provide offline services such as maps, save-itineraries, and local guides, your app could be the most technologically demanding yet essential feature for travelers.

Balancing Costs and Scalability

If you’re deciding on the best way to develop your travel app that is both cost-effective and adaptable, it can be a challenging task. It is possible to start by creating an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) to test the essential functions while planning for future enhancements and development without exceeding your budget.

If you can overcome these challenges, you’ll be able to develop a travel-related app that’s both functional and enjoyable for customers worldwide.

How to Develop a Travel Booking App like Etihad Airways?

The development of a successful travel booking app like Etihad Airways requires meticulous planning and execution. This step-by-step guide is designed to guide you through the development process.

Identify Your Niche

The first step in creating a travel app is to determine your target market. Are you focusing on developing a hotel booking app? Are you seeking to create a comprehensive solution that enables users to book flights and hotels within a single application? Knowing your audience’s preferences and their requirements will enable you to narrow down the features and functions of your app.

Choose the Right App Development Company

Selecting the ideal company to develop your travel app is crucial to its success. Find a company that has expertise in hotel booking app development and a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. A company with experience will know the specific requirements of the tourism industry and provide the best product.

Tip: Ensure that the company you choose to work with has experience in developing applications that work on both iOS and Android platforms, as this will enable users to connect with a wider audience.

Define Features and Functionalities

Once you’ve identified your market, it’s now time to define the essential attributes your app must have. If you’re creating an app to book hotels or a multi-service travel application, these key features must be included:

  • Search and Filter: Allow users to select search and filter their options based on their preferences.
  • Booking & Payment: Let users book services and pay effortlessly.
  • User Profiles: Users must be able to create and manage their profiles.
  • Push Notifications: Provide users with regular reminders, updates, offers, and promotions.
  • Ratings and Reviews: Allow clients to give ratings and evaluate services.

UI/UX Design

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are crucial for the development of travel booking apps. A well-designed app can ensure that customers can easily browse and make reservations with ease. The interface should be simple and visually appealing as well as easy to use.

App Development and Testing

The development phase involves writing code for the app, integrating third-party APIs for services such as hotels and flights, and testing the app across multiple devices. The app should function well across both Android and iOS platforms. Testing should include security testing, performance testing, and usability testing.

Ensure that you prioritize security during the development of your app, particularly when handling users’ personal information and financial details.

Launch and Marketing

Once your app is complete and ready to go live, you can launch it in the App Store or Google Play. A well-planned marketing strategy is crucial for increasing downloads and attracting customers. Utilize social media, paid advertisements, influencer marketing, and partnerships to market your app effectively.

How to Monetize a Travel Booking App?

Apps to book tickets for events can generate revenue when they are monetized. Companies that are in the event, travel, or transportation sectors can maximize their profits while improving the user experience by following the right method:

Service/Booking Fees

You can charge customers a tiny fee for booking or convenience fees for every purchase made through the app. Each time a ticket is sold, you will have an ongoing and reliable source of revenue. The development of flight booking app services can be used to adjust ticket prices at the moment of purchase for customers.

Affiliate Commissions

Collaborate with airlines, hotels, or event planners to earn commissions. Each successful booking made through an affiliate link earns funds for the application, a guide to creating a travel booking app like Etihad Airways, which enables various service companies to complete multiple functions.

Advertisements

In-app ads that are customized for you from nearby businesses, Insurance companies, local businesses, or travel companies. To earn the most money per click or impression, you can use IOS application development services, which include sponsored listings, video ads, and display banners. You must ensure that the user experience isn’t hindered due to the location of advertisements.

Premium Subscriptions

Offer exclusive perks such as prioritised help, ad-free browsing, and earlier access to sales to cut down on the Etihad Airways app development cost. Customers will pay for these additional benefits on a monthly or annual basis. A recurrent, steady income is earned through subscriptions.

Cross-Selling Add-Ons

Promote additional services, such as meals, baggage options, seating options, and travel insurance. The average value of orders rises when these services are integrated into the point of purchase. Additionally, you can hire app developers on demand to enhance customer satisfaction and comfort.

API Integration for B2B Sales

Utilize APIs to permit other businesses to utilize your booking engine and inventory information. You can create an app like Etihad Airways for users who can pay every month or on a per-use basis. This expands your reach and helps you earn a regular B2B revenue.

Plan Your Travel Booking App Development Budget the Smart Way

Are you launching your own travel business and are looking for a low-cost method to launch your application? Do not worry, we offer a variety of solutions. Are you interested in knowing more? Making informed decisions before making any indirect investment can help reduce costs while still delivering an effortless booking experience. Below, we will share ways to develop your app for the market without incurring massive expenses. Check them out:

MVP Development for Smart Launch

Begin by implementing MVP development, and then focus on the core features of booking, such as search, payment, and ticket confirmation. This allows you to try out the travel app live, gather feedback quickly, and tweak features later without having to purchase everything at once.

Prototype Development for Visual Clarity

Ensure you have a working prototype of your app before starting the actual development. This will provide you with a clear understanding of how the app works. This helps you avoid errors later on, which saves money on repairs, and allows you to make improvements to the app’s flow at an early stage of the process.

Cloud Integration for Better Flexibility

Utilize your travel app with cloud services to avoid incurring expensive hardware costs. Cloud platforms are less maintenance-intensive, and you can increase the number of users. This is an excellent option for startups that need to keep their apps lightweight, safe, and always available.

Use of Pre-Built Travel APIs

Utilize accessible travel APIs for seat maps, flight search, and payment processors. These tools accelerate development, reduce costs, and deliver accurate data to your app without having to build every aspect from scratch.

Hire Offshore Developers

Work with an offshore developer such as EmizenTech. It is easier to hire and receive expert assistance. It reduces fixed costs and recruits an experienced team who already know how to create travel applications from scratch.

Are You Ready to Develop an App Like Etihad Airways with EmizenTech?

We hope that we have been successful in delivering everything you needed before you decided to create an app for booking travel. We can serve as your independent consultants if you have any questions or concerns. Reach out to us, and we’ll assign experienced experts to address any questions you may have.

A travel app development company like EmizenTech possesses a wealth of expertise in creating applications for various industries. We’ve worked in the travel industry to develop numerous booking apps for multiple companies. If you’re planning to make a travel booking application, we can assist with our expertise in designing your ideal app.

Conclusion

The Etihad Airways app is rapidly gaining market share in the travel industry. The business model of the app demonstrates the significant demand for a seamless travel platform. In reality, many travellers are looking for more options such as quick bookings, real-time updates, and access at all times.

If you’re considering purchasing a travel booking app like Etihad Airways, then you’re creating an enterprise that can last. The market for travel booking apps has significant potential for growth if paired with an effective plan and expert execution.

At EmizenTech, we create and design travel apps that align with your business goals. We focus on precision development, clean interfaces, and a high level of usability. When you work with our team, it’s not enough to start an app; you create an advanced travel application designed to last and have a lasting impact.

FAQs

How do you use an app like Etihad Airways?

A travel booking app like Etihad Airways is a specific program that you download on your mobile to plan your trips. It allows you to organize things such as hotels, plane tickets, and car rentals at once.

Which travel apps for booking flights are most popular in the UAE?

Within the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Cleartrip, Musafir, and Skyscanner are among the most frequently used travel booking software. Offering deals specific to the region, the applications allow users to purchase hotels, flights, and holiday packages.

How much will it cost to keep high-end airline programs?

The annual maintenance expenses for airline applications could vary between 15% and 20% of the development cost. These include feature updates, security updates, server maintenance, and the integration of third-party APIs. Maintenance for premium applications can cost anywhere from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 or more.

How can you create an app for booking travel from scratch?

To create a travel booking application from scratch, start by identifying your ideal customers and determining the necessary options, including flight and hotel booking, real-time availability, and payment gateways. You can then hire a reputable travel app development firm that understands your idea and will transform it into a scalable product.