Emerging Film Market on the Fifth Major Continent
Munich-based travel tech company, Flix, has announced its entry into the Australian market, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Australia, the fifth continent for Flix, is poised to become a strategic priority, with the summer travel season set to kick off in December.
The APAC region, including India, presents great potential, particularly in the premium long-distance coach segment. Countries like Australia have promising conditions for the expansion of long-distance bus transport due to growing incomes, improved infrastructure, and limited alternatives in the rail sector. This rapid APAC growth focus is expected to drive the long-distance intercity coach market with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% from 2023 to 2028.
Flix's entry into Australia employs the same asset-light model used in over 40 countries. Local bus companies handle operational implementation, while Flix provides the technological platform for ticketing, scheduling, customer service, and branding. This approach has been successful in 44 countries and will now be adapted to the Australian market.
Yvan Lefranc-Morin, a long-time Flix executive, has been appointed Senior Managing Director for Australia and has relocated to Sydney to lead operations and partnerships. Establishing a physical office in Sydney underlines Flix’s long-term commitment to the Australian and APAC markets.
Flix aims to strengthen its presence in the APAC region by leveraging technology and sustainability. The company emphasizes technology-driven, customer-focused travel solutions, aiming to modernize Australia’s coach travel sector and promote sustainable long-distance travel.
In Australia, Flix plans to launch domestic coach routes mainly along the populous East Coast, connecting major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The company sees an opportunity to set new standards with its fully digital booking system and technology-enabled travel experience in Australia, where digital booking processes and customer-focused innovations have been limited.
Flix's APAC expansion strategy combines strategic entry into promising markets like Australia through partnerships with local operators, backed by a digital and sustainable travel platform, and staffed by dedicated local leadership to ensure adaptation and growth within the region’s unique conditions. The company intends to further expand its presence in the APAC region, similar to its strategy in Latin America.
- Flix's entry into the Australian market is not only a significant milestone in their expansion strategy but also a testament to the potential of the long-distance coach market in the APAC region, particularly in countries like Australia.
- With a focus on technology and sustainability, Flix aims to modernize the coach travel sector in Australia, bringing innovative digital booking systems and a customer-focused approach to a market where such innovations have been limited.
- The company's APAC expansion strategy also involves strategic partnerships with local operators, ensuring a strong presence in the region while adapting to the unique conditions of each market, a strategy they've successfully implemented in Latin America.
