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For the Brazilian airline, see WebJet Linhas Aéreas.

Webjet Limited
IndustryTravel
Founded1998
FounderDavid Clarke, John Lemish, Allan Nahum
Headquarters
Melbourne
,
Australia
ServicesTravel Booking

Webjet is an online Travel Agency that allows consumers to directly book airline tickets and hotel reservations. Webjet was established by former Jetset Travel (now Helloworld Travel) Chief Executive David Clarke, Allan Nahum and John Lemish in 1998.[1] Webjet is currently owned by WEB Travel Group LTD, following a demerger from Webjet Limited in September 2024. [2]

History of Webjet

[edit]

Webjet was publicly listed on the ASX in 2000 through a reverse takeover deal with Roper River Resources NL.[3] Roper River Resources NL became Webjet NL on 18 April 2000 and was later changed to Webjet Limited on 15 June 2000. On 31 May 2001, Webjet became 100% automated, allowing customers to fully complete their bookings online.[4]

In April 2010, Webjet commenced operations in North America through a joint venture with Mathias Friess, formerly General Manager of Global Sales and Distribution of Virgin Australia, and Head of Sales North America for Lufthansa.[5]

In February 2011, John Guscic was appointed as Webjet's Managing Director, after serving on the Webjet board since 2003.[6]

In April 2012, Webjet OTA signed as a major sponsor of the Melbourne Football Club, with players sporting the logo on the front of their club jerseys less than 24 hours after the deal was struck.[7] In the same month, Webjet also partnered with Australian loyalty program flybuys.[8]

In March 2013, Webjet acquired Zuji in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore from Travelocity for $25 million.[9][10]

In February 2014, Webjet and Sydney FC agreed to a new major commercial partnership which renewed their status as the principal partner of the team since the beginning of the 2012–2013 Hyundai A-League season.[11] Webjet entered into a binding Heads of Agreement to acquire the SunHotels Group in Europe, completing the acquisition by September 2014.[12]

In February 2015, Webjet began accepting Bitcoin on holiday package bookings, making it one of the first Australian retailers to accept the electronic currency in their payment process.[13]

On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment.[14]

In June 2017, Webjet announced the conclusion of its joint venture with Mathias Friess, by selling its remaining interest in Webjet in North America. Webjet reacquired the rights to Webjet.com, with the remaining brand and operations transitioning over to 'Flyus.com'.[15]

In March 2021, Webjet announced an investment in LockTrip.[16]

In September 2024, Webjet Limited demerged, creating two independent companies: Web Travel Group and Webjet Group.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Webjet announces board shake-up". The Age. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Shareholders approve demerger". Web Travel Group. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
  3. ^ Tan, Su-Lin (4 February 2015). "Webjet starts accepting Bitcoins for holiday packages". The Sydney Morning Herald. [verification needed]
  4. ^ "Webjet Redies For 100% Automation - Webjet.com.au". media.webjet.com.au. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  5. ^ Schaal, Dennis (23 April 2010). "Former Virgin Blue exec brings online travel agency Webjet to US". Phocuswire.
  6. ^ "Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB)" (PDF). Australian Securities Exchange.
  7. ^ "Webjet Signs as Major Sponsor of Melbourne Football Club" (Press release). Webjet. 13 April 2012.
  8. ^ "More bells and whistles for Coles FlyBuys". Financial Review. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  9. ^ Ogilvy.com.au. "Webjet Limited acquires Zuji in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore - Media release - MinterEllison". www.minterellison.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  10. ^ May, Kevin (12 December 2012). "Travelocity sells Asia-Pacific agency Zuji to Webjet for $25 million". Phocuswire.
  11. ^ "Sydney FC And Webjet Agree New 2 Year Partnership". Sydney FC. 18 February 2014.
  12. ^ "Sunhotels - Webjet Limited". Webjet Limited. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  13. ^ Tan, Su-Lin (4 February 2015). "Webjet starts accepting Bitcoins for holiday packages". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  14. ^ May, Kevin (9 November 2016). "Four years on, Webjet sells Zuji for AUS$56 million and doubles its money". Phocuswire.
  15. ^ "Company to re-acquire rights to webjet.com domain name from joint venture partner". Travel Daily. 30 June 2017.
  16. ^ "Investment in Locktrip" (PDF). 18 March 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
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