Ursula, you’re participating in the Tech and Innovation Briefing Tours here at FTE APEX Asia Expo and highlighting the stopover solution. Can you share some details about that?
This is our first time joining the tour, and we’re very excited. The concept of stopovers isn’t new—many airlines with hubs have encouraged passengers to stay longer at their destinations. However, the take-up has been surprisingly low. Through customer research, we found that the current solutions are limiting. They typically cater to one- or two-night stays, are difficult to book, and often lack automation.
At Branchspace, we decided to innovate and created "Stop and Stay"—a flexible solution. It allows passengers to tailor their experiences. For instance, a traveller might work remotely for a month in Singapore, or an elderly passenger might plan a stopover to make their journey more manageable. Additionally, we’ve integrated a marketplace that enables local partners to offer products and services like guided tours or museum experiences, making the process seamless and enriching.
You also participated in a conference session focused on next-generation e-commerce, ancillary revenue, and retail. What were the key messages?
At Branchspace, we are passionate about modern retailing. Our goal is to create personalised, context-driven offers and elevate the customer experience. For example, if a customer flies to Singapore, they can receive tailored offers based on their preferences, whether travelling solo or with family. The integration of physical and digital channels plays a critical role here, ensuring an end-to-end seamless experience.
Our intelligent middleware simplifies integrations with third-party products and services. This flexibility extends to unique offerings, such as booking a pet’s travel arrangements or collaborating with airports to provide sustainable options like leaving winter coats and boots behind to reduce aircraft weight.
Sustainability and customer experience seem central to your solutions. Can you elaborate?
Absolutely. Sustainability is a priority. Airlines and airports can innovate beyond carbon offsetting, offering meaningful solutions. For instance, leaving winter gear at the departure airport not only reduces weight and carbon emissions but also enhances customer convenience. Such innovations benefit both the planet and the traveller.
We also emphasise the experiential aspect of travel. Customers are excited about their journeys—it’s not just about getting from A to B. Airports and airlines can offer lifestyle and experiential propositions, such as parks, spas, or bicycle rentals, turning transit into an enjoyable experience.
Could you share details about the digital travel identity proof of concept (POC) that Branchspace is working on with IATA?
The digital travel identity initiative aims to achieve seamless end-to-end travel. Customers can securely share immigration data with airports and authorities, enabling biometrics-based travel. We collaborated with Cathay Pacific on version 2.0 of the POC, demonstrating this capability from booking to check-in.
Singapore is a shining example. By integrating digital immigration cards during check-in, passengers experience a seamless entry process. It’s efficient, secure, and eliminates queues—truly enhancing the travel experience.
How has your overall experience been at FTE APEX Asia Expo?
We’ve loved it. This is our second time here, and the content has been incredibly insightful. The conversations across the travel ecosystem—airlines, airports, and other stakeholders—have been invaluable. It’s inspiring to see collaboration and innovation come alive.
