As the world moves forward with the new tech-savvy generation, businesses everywhere are shaping their services to match the needs of these Gen Y business travellers, who account for 38 per cent of all people who regularly travel for work.

From a catering establishment to a private jet company, businesses are looking to cater to the Millennial business travellers, aged between 15 and 34.

According to new data released, the percentage of the new age business travellers is expected to increase in the future, to more than half of all business travellers by 2020 and to 75 per cent of the global workforce by 2025.

Among the many businesses preparing itself for the Millennial rush is the Radisson Blu EU in Brussels, Germany, which is undergoing a complete makeover. The anticipated result – an establishment which looks ‘cool’ and feels ‘edgy’. The latter adjective perfectly describes the business traveller of tomorrow and, in fact, the typical one fits the key characteristics already today.

“Spontaneity, companionship and smartphones – these are probably the best 3 words to describe this swiftly growing segment. Experts note that they are far more likely to travel with someone and book a trip or change their travel plans at the last minute. These habits are perfectly in line with what business aviation can offer to the new gen of travellers,” said Vitalij Kapitonov, CEO of KlasJet - a European charter carrier.

“While commercial airlines, enormous hotel chains and other integral parts of the travel industry are now faced with the pressing need for costly facelifts, all that most private jet companies must do is shift the attention towards a yet another age group and become even more digital. For instance, one of the most relevant concerns at the moment is the ability to embrace and make the most of new digital solutions whilst maintaining the highest quality of services with a personal touch every single time.”

According to the executive, failure to satisfy the digital cravings of this generation is not an option. As more than 75 per cent of the Millennials use digital tools to plan and book their travels, appearing on the screen of a gen Y manager is now one of the top priorities of all operators. Moreover, this generation shares their travel photos on social media twice as much and almost 60 per cent of them update their social networks whilst travelling.

In the simplest of terms, what it truly means for operators is that (a) finding your business should be really easy and (b) scrolling on Facebook must be convenient whilst sitting aboard a business jet.

In addition to the digital side of the story, this generation is way more focused on the quality of services which cannot be anything but the best, every single time. According to a recent survey published by Expedia, an overwhelming 80 per cent of the gen Y representatives consider online reviews as important when planning a trip.

“It is of the essence when you keep in mind that they are the most common travellers, averaging around five business trips a year, compared to just two made by those aged 35 years and up. Client reviews as well as the feeling that a traveller is left with the minute he or she steps out of the business jet is the moment that the decision with regard to a potential repeat business is made. There is no room for error,” said the CEO.

“As the older Millennials are expected to reach their peak spending years by 2017, most of the business aviation companies are looking for ways to slice a bigger piece of the gen Y pie. Nevertheless, those who already maintain exceptionally high standards of quality and offer client-tailored services which are of great value today will definitely be amongst the winners of tomorrow,” he said. - TradeArabia News Service