Flights aggregator Aerticket targets growth in the UK with chief exec appointment

Reena Shah will oversee distribution deals with trade partners including online booking engines

European flights wholesaler Aerticket has appointed a UK chief executive to spearhead its growth in the British market.

Reena Shah has taken on the newly created role and will report directly to group chief executive Rainer Klee.

Her remit is to build strong relationships with key partners and establish new business opportunities.

The Berlin-based consolidator already operates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Turkey and US.

It offers fares from 170 airlines to travel agencies, tour operators and online booking engines.

Founded more than 30 years ago, it has more than 1,200 employees in 40 international locations. It issues about seven million tickets annually, with a turnover of £2 billion.

Shah has more than 22 years of industry experience, predominantly in travel technology.

Her most recent role was with travel tech start-up JourneyHero, following roles at Travelport, Amadeus and Southall Travel.

She said: “I am looking forward to working with Aerticket to expand the operations into the UK market.

“Aerticket has a phenomenal global presence, which brings a large number of opportunities for independent travel agents with comprehensive fares and a robust technology platform.”

Klee added: “We know that the UK is the largest market in Europe and we are glad that we were able to form a great team that will be able to deliver our USPs: best global fares content in over 100 countries, together with our well-known first-class service, which will immensely benefit the UK.”