A Melbourne-based startup has achieved an international certification usually reserved for human travel agents, as Booked AI launches a beta version of its mobile app that can field questions about destinations and activities, and book hotels and flights for users.
Booked AI founder Mennan Yelkenci tells Business News Australia the platform is armed with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and a coveted International Air Transport Association (IATA) registered travel agent accreditation.
"Australians juggle countless tabs to piece together travel plans. With Booked AI, you get a streamlined itinerary in moments - no multi-tab headache required," says Yelkenci, who won the 2024 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Award - Startup as the founder of both Booked AI and renewable energy project consultancy Tierra Consulting.
"Our goal with Booked AI is to make travel as seamless and enjoyable as possible. By combining cutting-edge technology with the personal touch that travellers crave, we’re offering a travel experience that is more intuitive, responsive, and effortless than ever before."
He says the app allows users to design, edit and share itineraries, use artificial intelligence to find the best prices, and discover budget-friendly travel options. Booked AI has partnered with over 200 airlines and 1,000 accommodation providers worldwide to provide this service
Yelkenci adds that users can speak to the app in any language, but worldwide its strong suit would still be Australia given a "direct integration with Qantas allowing for extremely competitive domestic pricing".
"For users with unique needs or specific questions - like deciding between public transportation and other options - Booked AI provides guidance based on the travellers’ preferences, budget, and itinerary," he explains.
"It’s meant to act almost like a digital travel concierge, helping users feel confident about each aspect of the trip and making tailored suggestions along the way."
Yelkenci describes achieving IATA-registered travel agent status as a detailed and often demanding process, especially for an up-and-comer like Booked AI.
"The IATA accreditation is traditionally geared toward conventional travel agencies that adhere to strict financial and operational standards," he says.
"This status not only allows direct flight booking with airlines but also gives access to IATA’s billing and settlement plan (BSP) and establishes trust with other travel providers.
"For an AI-driven platform, the bar is even higher. Booked AI had to prove it could meet global industry standards and operate with a secure and compliant technical framework."
Yelkenci says that as an AI-first company, Booked AI shows not only financial soundness but also the capacity to handle complex booking and payment systems worldwide.
"Booked AI is the first AI-based platform in Australia and the first in the world to earn this accreditation. Achieving IATA status means that Booked AI can move beyond just aggregating travel options; it’s able to manage bookings directly, demonstrating an industry first in the travel tech landscape."
The entrepreneur draws parallels to other areas of life that have become easier thanks to technological advancements, from Uber rides to restaurant bookings, noting the platform targets a tech-savvy audience that values time, personalisation, and a fully integrated booking experience.
"We have gone from VHS to DVD to Netflix for video, and vinyl to CDs to Spotify for music. Over time we have seen travel bookings go from in-person to online, and now, with Booked AI, we witness the next step into the future of travel by providing travellers with a travel agent in their pocket," he says.
"Studies show travellers often revisit booking sites multiple times before feeling secure in their choices. With Booked AI, there’s no need for second-guessing - we instantly provide the best options tailored to you, making booking decisions that are fast, easy, and reliable."
Help us deliver quality journalism to you.
As a free and independent news site providing daily updates
during a period of unprecedented challenges for businesses everywhere
we call on your support