How Airlines Can ADD Value To Their $300 Billion Currency
December 28th, 2007 · by Bob Meyer · 2 CommentsI read a fantastic article by Jeff Jarvis. He posed the question, “What if a plane flight were networked and became a social experience with its own economy?” Jarvis then describes the “Social Flight” where no marketing is required, but rather simply serving–connecting and organizing the customers the airline already has…
The airlines could let the consumer trade and barter their frequent flyer miles with each other–adding value to their $300 billion frequent flyer miles currency. The consumer could also bid on frequent flyer seats with their miles.
Airlines could become market-makers as speculators could arbitrage seats which they’d purchased (and were non-refundable).
To read the complete fascinating article see: FLIGHT
Author Jeff Jarvis website: JARVIS
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December 28th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
For some time I’ve been promoting the idea that English Language schools here in China should offer English (and Mandarin) training to airlines, as Barter for Business Class (possibly standby) seats.
English Language schools in China (and East Asia) typically include round trip plane tickets as part of the Teacher’s Contract, which is a major cost factor.
I have just begun my relationship with EF, the extremely successful international network of English schools. I feel this project has great potential for success.
December 29th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Dear Kevin, I believe your idea has much merit, given a coming explosive growth in tourism and airline expansion. Working with EF (English First), plus EF’s supplier to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games provides the needed credibility.
This summer’s Olympic Games in China, will provide the world with a glimpse of China’s enormous progress. Noted U.S. investor Jim Rogers (co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros) believes this is “China’s Century.”
His daughter Happy, born in 2003 is bilingual, speaking English and Mandarin. Rogers says China’s yuan, in 15 years, could potentially grow into the world’s reserve currency–if it becomes freely convertible and China opens its economy more widely–as it does have the size and the liquidity as well as a fast-expanding economy.
Your services, Kevin, will be in much demand. Good luck with your idea and please keep us informed of your progress.