kiwi com

October 16, 2024

**Kiwi.com: Revolutionizing the Way We Travel**

Kiwi.com, a Czech-based travel company, has taken the global travel industry by storm since its founding in 2012. Initially known as SkyPicker, the company was founded by Oliver Dlouhý and Jozef Képesi with a mission to disrupt traditional travel booking methods. Today, Kiwi.com is widely recognized for its fare aggregation technology, metasearch engine, and booking services for flights and ground transportation. With a unique approach to finding and booking flights, the platform has become a favorite for travelers looking to save money through hidden fares and travel hacks.

### The Origins of Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com was born out of Oliver Dlouhý’s frustration with the limitations of conventional booking engines. Like many travelers, he often struggled to find affordable and convenient flight options, especially when it came to connecting flights across multiple airlines. Together with Jozef Képesi, a talented programmer, Dlouhý developed a unique algorithm that could piece together combinations of flights from different airlines, including those that did not have formal partnerships. This innovation opened up new possibilities for travelers and led to the creation of SkyPicker, which later rebranded to Kiwi.com.

The company officially launched on April 17, 2012, in Brno, Czech Republic, and quickly gained traction among budget-conscious travelers. Kiwi.com’s innovative approach to travel hacking, such as its “virtual interlining” technique, allowed users to book cheaper flights by combining flights from airlines that do not usually collaborate. By 2019, Kiwi.com had grown into a travel powerhouse, with over 1,700 employees and a presence in global markets.

### What Sets Kiwi.com Apart?

Kiwi.com is not just another online travel agency. The platform's success lies in its ability to combine advanced technology with a customer-first mindset. Here are some key features that make Kiwi.com stand out:

#### 1. **Fare Aggregator and Metasearch Engine**

At its core, Kiwi.com is a metasearch engine and fare aggregator. The platform scours the internet for flight prices from more than 500 airlines, including low-cost carriers and traditional airlines. It compares over two billion prices daily to help users find the best deals. The advanced search algorithms and filters allow travelers to customize their search based on dates, airlines, budget, and more, making it a powerful tool for those looking for flexibility.

#### 2. **Virtual Interlining**

One of Kiwi.com’s most significant innovations is its virtual interlining technology. This system allows users to book multiple flights on different airlines that do not have official partnerships. Typically, airlines only offer connecting flights with their partner airlines, limiting travelers’ options. Kiwi.com breaks this mold by creating “virtual” connections between airlines, offering cheaper and more convenient flight routes. This strategy saves travelers significant amounts of money by opening up routes that would not otherwise be available through traditional booking platforms.

#### 3. **Hidden Fares and Travel Hacks**

Kiwi.com has earned a reputation for finding hidden fares that are not easily accessible through standard booking platforms. These fares often result from combining one-way tickets, flights from different airports, or flying with multiple carriers. For instance, Kiwi.com’s platform might suggest flying into one city and taking a bus to a nearby airport for a cheaper outbound flight. These kinds of travel hacks, while unconventional, provide budget travelers with the chance to save on airfare.

#### 4. **Disruption Protection**

One of the biggest concerns for travelers, especially when booking flights from different airlines, is the risk of flight cancellations or delays. Kiwi.com offers a feature called “Kiwi.com Guarantee,” which provides disruption protection. This protection covers situations where a flight is delayed or canceled, and Kiwi.com ensures that passengers are rebooked on another flight at no extra cost or provided alternative transportation. This feature helps to ease concerns when booking non-partnered flights across different airlines.

### The Role of Technology at Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com’s success is largely driven by its investment in cutting-edge technology. Its proprietary algorithm, which was developed in-house, continuously scans millions of flight combinations across hundreds of airlines, finding the best possible routes. The platform also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict flight delays and provide real-time updates to users, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Moreover, Kiwi.com offers an interactive map that allows users to explore new destinations. Travelers can set a budget, and the map shows them all the places they can fly to within that budget, making it easier to discover affordable and exciting travel opportunities.

The company’s mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store, further enhances the user experience by offering access to all Kiwi.com’s services on the go. With over 4.9K followers on YouTube and a growing presence on Instagram, the company uses digital platforms to engage with users, providing them with travel tips and showcasing its unique services.

### Kiwi.com’s Global Expansion

As of 2024, Kiwi.com has grown into a leading travel technology firm with a strong international presence. Headquartered in Brno, Czech Republic, the company serves millions of customers across the globe, offering cheap flights, hotel bookings, and car rentals. The platform has expanded its offerings to include a variety of transportation methods, including buses and trains, making it a one-stop shop for travelers looking to book multiple legs of a journey.

Kiwi.com’s growth has been bolstered by significant financial backing. In 2019, the private equity firm General Atlantic acquired a majority stake in the company, providing the capital needed for expansion and innovation. This partnership has allowed Kiwi.com to scale its operations and enter new markets.

### The Future of Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com has shown resilience in a highly competitive travel industry, thanks to its technology-driven approach and focus on providing value to customers. As the company continues to grow, it remains committed to offering affordable and accessible travel options for people worldwide.

In 2023, Kiwi.com reported a record EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of €34 million, indicating strong financial performance. The company continues to innovate and explore new ways to disrupt the travel industry. Looking ahead, Kiwi.com is expected to expand its range of services further, possibly incorporating more transportation options and enhancing its platform’s capabilities.

### Conclusion

Kiwi.com’s rise to prominence in the travel industry can be attributed to its innovative use of technology, its commitment to finding the best travel deals for customers, and its unique approach to booking flights. By combining flights from different airlines and offering travel hacks that save users money, Kiwi.com has redefined how people book travel. As the company continues to evolve, it is well-positioned to remain a leader in the travel tech space, providing travelers with even more options, flexibility, and convenience. For budget-conscious travelers seeking the best deals, Kiwi.com remains a top choice.