Air France-KLM Launches a Unit to Churn Out Travel Startups


Skift Take

Can you really grow a unicorn in a lab? In other words, can companies like Air France-KLM read all of the innovation advice books in airport bookshops and methodically create the next Airbnb? We're skeptical. But the travel industry could use much more innovation.

Air France/KLM Group debuted on Wednesday a fledgling seed fund and coaching effort to help create projects that will tackle leisure and business travel problems and possibly spawn tomorrow's superstar businesses. BigBlank, the group's new subsidiary, plans to start projects with entrepreneurs and help those projects morph into startups. It will provide seed fundings of up to $900,000 (€800,000) a project. Many other airlines — including Aeromexico, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, JetBlue, Lufthansa, an