Travel analytics company ForwardKeys has formed a new agreement with travel search engine Skyscanner.

The agreement gives ForwardKeys full access to the company’s global flight search data.

ForwardKeys and Skyscanner have been partners since 2018, when Skyscanner began sending sample data for integration into the ForwardKeys dataset, Flight Search.

The sample data from Skyscanner reflected search and redirect information for ten global markets which, via ForwardKeys’ Flight Search, assisted airports in understanding unserved routes and potential catchment areas.

Due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the Flight Search dataset has also been sought out by destination marketing organisations and hospitality clients. This is because flight search data can help understand consumer interest and demand in cities and countries, the cost of airfares and time-frames they are looking to travel.

DAILY FLIGHT SEARCH GROWTH

The new partnership has sparked exponential growth in daily flight searches and redirects, to almost triple the size of the previous sample data. This includes full access to the company’s flight search data.

In addition to the expansion of search volumes and global markets, historical data has been provided since 2017. The addition of Skyscanner’s full data set will be invaluable to destinations seeking a better understanding of inbound tourism trends.

Luis Millan, Senior Researcher, ForwardKeys said: “ForwardKeys is very excited to have full access to Skyscanner’s flight search data. This information has already proven valuable for our customers across different industries in terms of tapping into travel demand.

“We are now enriching it with a much wider pool of searches and markets. Considering we are in the middle of a global crisis, this will help businesses gauge consumer interest and demand to destinations, to adopt proactive measures for the recovery and identify early signs of recovery.”

Sharon Petersen, Commercial Manager, Skyscanner added: “Given the unprecedented levels of uncertainty for the sector, it’s important for Destination Marketing Organisations and travel providers alike to get a real understanding of travellers interest in destinations.

“Despite an international health crisis, travel bans and fewer planes in the sky, we can still see people planning and booking their dream escapes. We’re pleased to see this essential information for the travel industry integrated into ForwardKeys’ Flight Search product.”