Cheapflights launches in Australia and New Zealand

Cheapflights has continued its overseas expansion programme and confirmed the launch of a dedicated site serving the Australia and New Zealand markets. The service – cheapflights.com.au – is the second regional site after the launch of the German Cheapflights (cheapflug.de) in October 2008 to be rolled out on the common technology and front-end platform. Similar…

Cheapflights has continued its overseas expansion programme and confirmed the launch of a dedicated site serving the Australia and New Zealand markets.

The service – cheapflights.com.au – is the second regional site after the launch of the German Cheapflights (cheapflug.de) in October 2008 to be rolled out on the common technology and front-end platform.

Similar services such as the weekly newsletter of special offers and regular hand-picked deals will be available via the site.

The cheapflights.com.au domain has until now featured a low-key microsite owned by Cheapflights but has not featured any of the functionality of the existing sites.

Head of international at Cheapflights, Mo Bulbrook, said: “We have been very happy with the encouragement we have received from the travel industry in Australia and New Zealand – companies such as Expedia, Zuji, Best Flights, Qantas Holidays, STA Travel and travel.com.au are all publishing their deals with Cheapflights.

“In time, we look forward to expanding the site to provide local consumers with even more travel destinations and great fares to get there.”

The new site is expected to spearhead another round of launches by the price comparison giant, with another European region likely by the end of 2009.

Chief executive Chris Cuddy added: “The introduction of our new international technology platform last year has enabled us to significantly accelerate the rollout of new websites and to ensure that consumers have a broad choice of flights providers, inspirational travel guides, and great deals.

“Cheapflights is a committed consumer champion on behalf of travelers worldwide. We will also continue to invest to make Cheapflights.com.au a highly effective and independent marketing partner to the travel industry including airlines, budget airlines, consolidators, online travel agents and the long tail of small and specialist high street travel agents.”