One of Australia’s most recognisable brand names is making a return, this time with an entirely new identity. Ansett Travel is an intelligent travel platform powered by AI, making travel more affordable and accessible for Australians.
Founded by “AI-native” entrepreneur Constantine Frantzeskos, Ansett Travel revives the beloved Ansett brand, once Australia’s second-largest airline, by reimagining it as a new kind of travel company that is changing the way we travel.
Frantzeskos brings decades of experience in digital innovation and tourism strategy, having worked with Emirates, Saudi Tourism and Dubai Tourism. He’s also a founding director and former board member of LaunchVic and former board member of Swinburne University’s Innovation Precinct.
“The idea was to bring back something Australians trusted, but to rebuild it in a way that reflects how we want to travel today, fast, intuitive and tailored to our lives,” said Frantzeskos. “We’re not just adding AI to an old model. We started from zero and built everything around what AI can do when it’s placed at the core.”
As Ansett Travel grows, the vision is to keep leveraging AI to increase efficiencies and create a dream experience for customers. Eventually, predictive AI will act as a travel concierge tailored to the individual, with members receiving personalised trip recommendations and itineraries based on their preferences, budgets and calendar events.
“Eventually, we believe people won’t have to search or plan holidays at all,” Frantzeskos added. “Your travel concierge will know when the kids are on school holidays or when you need a break, and quietly offer the perfect trip. It’s not about replacing people, it’s about anticipating and tailoring times when we want to have fun or disconnect.”
In the meantime, as of Friday July 18 2025, Ansett Travel is launching a brand new feature allowing members to book trips at exclusive near-wholesale rates. With an annual Ansett Travel subscription, users can unlock savings of up to 25 per cent off standard retail prices on flights and accommodation.
While the Ansett brand evokes a sense of nostalgia for Australians over 35, the new venture is focused on what lies ahead. Designed to scale, adapt and learn, Ansett Travel is aiming to shift the category from reactive booking tools to predictive, AI-driven travel solutions.
Home»AIRLINE NEWS» US Transforms Travel Experience with New AI Powered TSA Solutions, Ushering in a Smarter Era of Security: What You Need to Know
Monday, July 28, 2025
The US is paving the way for a more intelligent approach to airport security with AI tools developed by the TSA. By leveraging new technologies such as AI, automation, and robotics, the TSA hopes to make the security process faster and safer than ever. This revolutionary move will bring faster, safer and more efficient travel to passengers across the country. Here’s what to know about these seismic changes.
The Motivation Behind the Shift
Airports across the United States have been facing growing pressure as air travel continues to expand. With millions of passengers traveling daily, security lines have become longer, and wait times have been increasing. For the TSA, this situation has created a need for significant change. To address these challenges and improve security procedures, the TSA is turning to technological solutions that can enhance efficiency while ensuring the highest standards of safety.
The implementation of AI and automation aims to eliminate many of the inefficiencies in the current system. By using cutting-edge technologies, the TSA hopes to reduce the time passengers spend at checkpoints, enhance the detection of security threats, and allow agents to focus on more complex aspects of screening.
How AI and Automation Will Revolutionize Security Screening
The new TSA vision is centered around incorporating AI-driven threat detection systems, robotic assistance, and automated baggage screening. Traditional security systems often rely on human operators to manually inspect images from X-ray machines, which can be time-consuming and prone to error. AI, however, offers the ability to quickly and accurately assess large volumes of data from security scans, identifying potential threats in real time. This will not only enhance the accuracy of threat detection but also make the process much faster.
Alongside AI, automation will be implemented to handle routine tasks. For example, robotic systems can assist in screening carry-on luggage and guiding passengers through the security process. This will free up TSA staff to focus on more critical tasks, like ensuring the safety of travelers and responding to potential security risks. As a result, the overall screening process will become more efficient, reducing long queues and wait times that have plagued passengers in the past.
The Benefits of AI-Driven TSA Security
The integration of AI and robotics promises to bring multiple advantages for both passengers and airport staff. One of the most notable improvements will be the reduction in wait times. With faster screening powered by AI, passengers will experience less time spent in lines, creating a smoother and more stress-free journey through security checkpoints. This will be especially beneficial during peak travel periods when airports are crowded.
Moreover, AI will enhance the precision of security checks. The technology’s ability to analyze data in real-time means potential threats can be identified and addressed more effectively, helping TSA agents to prevent dangerous items from boarding flights without disrupting the flow of passengers.
Additionally, the automation of certain security tasks will allow TSA agents to concentrate on more complex responsibilities, such as managing critical security situations and providing customer service. This shift is expected to improve overall airport operations and employee satisfaction.
Addressing Concerns: Job Impact and Data Privacy
While the TSA’s use of AI and automation in security has been met with excitement, some concerns have been raised about the potential displacement of jobs. With robots and automated systems taking over routine tasks, there is a worry that TSA personnel may be replaced. However, TSA officials stress that the goal is not to eliminate human workers but to enhance the role of security agents by enabling them to focus on higher-level tasks that require judgment and experience.
Additionally, as AI-driven solutions take a central role in security, data privacy concerns have also surfaced. Passengers’ personal and biometric information may be collected during the security process, prompting questions about how this data is used and stored. TSA officials have assured the public that strict data protection protocols will be in place to safeguard passenger privacy, but these concerns will need to be monitored closely as AI solutions become more integrated into the process.
The Path Forward: A More Secure and Efficient Future
AI in TSA security is just the start of the entire transformation of the aviation industry. And as these technologies continue to develop, travelers can look forward to even more efficient and intelligent security procedures to finally help us all out at the airport. The shift towards automation and AI may signal the beginning of a new era in the operations field of airports, where technology becomes a complement for human expertise, leading to a more efficient travel experience.
Over the next few years, TSA will be rolling that technology out to more airports nationwide so travelers have easier and more convenient options for ensuring their security while making their way to their destination. AI in integration with robotics will change the shape of airport security in future – it will be smarter, faster and more dependable – with journey that is less-inconvenient.
At the end of the day, the TSA’s effort to support innovation and technology as it applies to air travel is an important step toward responding to the dynamic needs and changes that regularly rock the aviation industry. And as these AI-based advances transform the face of airport security, both passengers and personnel will experience a more secure, timely and stress-free trip.
How Is Consumer-Driven AI Innovation Radically Transforming the Future of the Global Travel Industry and What Critical Steps Must Companies Take Today to Adapt, Evolve, and Thrive in This Accelerating Digital Era? Here’s Everything You Need to Understand and Prepare for What’s Next
Home»TOURISM NEWS» How Is Consumer-Driven AI Innovation Radically Transforming the Future of the Global Travel Industry and What Critical Steps Must Companies Take Today to Adapt, Evolve, and Thrive in This Accelerating Digital Era? Here’s Everything You Need to Understand and Prepare for What’s Next
Monday, July 28, 2025
The Road Ahead: Evolve or Fall Behind
At a pivotal event in Barcelona, industry professionals pointed out that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t something approaching—it’s already here. Its influence is being felt in the hands of individual users rather than within traditional corporate or governmental circles. Experts warned that travel businesses that fail to adapt swiftly and meaningfully risk falling behind as the global travel landscape continues to shift. It was emphasized that while embracing AI is essential, thoughtful implementation is even more critical. Companies must remain bold, flexible, and deeply connected to how real people use technology in their daily lives.
Those leading voices conveyed a collective sense of urgency, not panic, indicating that companies that are willing to evolve in step with technological progress will be more likely to thrive rather than merely survive. What was stressed above all is this: now is the time to act.
Actionable Insights for the Travel Sector
During the sessions in Barcelona, several important takeaways were offered for companies operating within the travel space. The insights were grounded in real-time consumer behavior and the growing impact of AI:
AI development is no longer led by institutions—it’s consumer-driven.
Travel businesses must adopt flexible, forward-thinking approaches.
The value of travel must now prioritize authentic experiences over routine logistics.
A culture of digital exploration and adaptability is essential.
These ideas underscored a broader truth: the pace of change in technology, particularly in AI, is not slowing down. It is continuous, disruptive, and powered by users themselves. Businesses that harness this energy through strategic foresight and cultural agility will be far better positioned to lead.
Responsibility Must Go Hand-in-Hand with Innovation
The event didn’t solely revolve around AI’s capabilities—it also highlighted what AI should do. As travel companies integrate smarter systems into their customer journeys, they’re being called to prioritize ethical choices alongside technological ones.
The shift toward AI means massive quantities of personal data are now involved in decision-making and travel planning. With that, travel providers were urged to:
Safeguard the human element in every trip.
Promote transparency and fairness in algorithm-based systems.
Design experiences that are authentic and respectful.
It was highlighted that the most successful travel organizations will not necessarily be those that are the first to launch AI tools, but those that implement them ethically and in alignment with human values. The emphasis was on crafting real experiences, not just efficient ones.
A New Kind of Travel Experience for the World
As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, it’s already changing how global travelers approach their journeys. According to discussions in Barcelona, the transformation is happening across various touchpoints in real time. These changes include:
Highly personalized itineraries created through AI, removing the need for manual trip planning.
Real-time assistance via chatbots and voice-enabled tools, enabling travelers to resolve issues instantly.
Intelligent booking systems that adjust based on user behavior, providing dynamic pricing and customized offers.
While these advancements bring efficiency and convenience, they also introduce complex questions regarding data privacy, digital consent, and cybersecurity. Travelers are being given more control, but they must also become more cautious. It was advised that a balance must be struck between embracing intelligent systems and safeguarding one’s digital footprint.
Reevaluating the Purpose of Travel in the AI Era
Speakers at the gathering encouraged participants to reflect on a deeper question: What does travel mean when AI handles most of the process? If machines manage bookings, maps, and even real-time conversations, what’s left for the traveler?
It was widely agreed that technology cannot replace emotion, spontaneity, or human connection. These are the elements that make travel memorable and transformative. In response to increasing automation, the travel sector was urged to shift focus from logistics to meaningful, culturally rich, and human-centered experiences.
As AI makes travel easier and more accessible, companies must take responsibility for ensuring it doesn’t become impersonal. The future of travel lies not in moving people from point A to B faster, but in offering enriching experiences that resonate long after the journey ends.
Staying Relevant in an Accelerating Tech Landscape
One recurring concern voiced in Barcelona was the unrelenting speed at which AI is evolving. Attendees were told that by the time a company implements and launches a new AI tool, newer, more advanced versions may already be available. This makes it challenging for companies to keep up.
To remain competitive and responsive in this environment, it was recommended that organizations follow a two-pronged approach:
Adopt and integrate existing AI technologies that align with current goals and operations.
Simultaneously, invest in teams or leaders focused solely on emerging AI trends, allowing for continuous awareness and quick adaptation.
This balance helps companies avoid stagnation. It means operating efficiently today while maintaining a clear vision of tomorrow. The phrase often repeated during these sessions was that organizations must keep “one foot in the future” at all times.
The Rise of Consumer-Led Innovation
A central point that emerged from the discussions in Barcelona was the idea that innovation is now being led by the consumer, not by corporations or research labs. Regular travelers and tech-savvy individuals are actively experimenting with AI tools to enhance how they travel—sometimes in ways that large companies had not anticipated.
Whether it’s through creating personalized travel plans, solving problems through digital assistants, or using AI to explore destinations before visiting, consumers are setting new standards. Businesses are no longer at the forefront; they are reacting to what users are already doing.
For the travel industry, this means abandoning rigid models and embracing adaptive, fluid systems. Companies were advised to build environments that reward creativity, tolerate risk, and encourage constant learning.
A Major Departure from the Traditional Innovation Path
In the past, technological revolutions often began in military or government sectors, slowly made their way into private industry, and eventually reached consumers. However, AI has flipped that model entirely. In today’s landscape, individuals are using AI before many corporations have even begun full-scale implementations.
This bottom-up shift was described as highly unusual but powerful. People around the globe are independently utilizing AI for trip planning, content generation, language translation, and real-time support. These uses are becoming more creative and personalized, pushing companies to reassess how they innovate.
Industry professionals agreed that the old hierarchies of innovation are collapsing, making way for a more democratic, consumer-led evolution.
Beginning of a New Era: How AI is Changing the Face of Travel
In Barcelona, during a high-level industry gathering, the impact of artificial intelligence on travel took center stage. The conversation wasn’t just about technology—it was about how the adoption of AI is unlike anything seen before.
Unlike past innovations that trickled down from elite labs and institutions, AI is taking root in everyday life first. This reversed adoption curve is redefining how businesses engage with travelers. For those in tourism, it means looking outward toward the behaviors and needs of the consumer, rather than relying solely on internal development.
Companies were encouraged to accept that innovation is no longer linear or controlled, and instead, it is messy, fast-paced, and driven by end-users. This demands an entirely new mindset—one that welcomes rapid change, continuous adaptation, and human-first design.
Final Thought
The ideas shared in Barcelona revealed a significant inflection point for the global travel industry. Artificial intelligence is not simply another tool—it is a transformative force that is altering how journeys are imagined, planned, and experienced.
Travel companies are being urged to rethink not just their operations, but their purpose. As AI accelerates, the message was crystal clear: the future will belong to those willing to innovate boldly, adapt constantly, and stay deeply connected to the human spirit that makes travel meaningful.
Now, more than 20 years later, the brand is being revived not as an airline but as an AI-powered holiday booking platform called Ansett Travel.
Melbourne-based entrepreneur Constantine Frantzeskos said it was designed to be a “hyper-personalised” travel agent that suggests trips and itineraries based on your preferences, calendar events and budgets.
“I didn’t just acquire a lapsed trademark and domain, I resurrected trust embedded deep in collective memory,” Frantzeskos said on Monday.
“The original Ansett served Australians beautifully for 65 years before collapsing in 2002, leaving a void in reliability and brand warmth.
“I believe that legacy still matters, and that it’s deserving of being reimagined for modern travellers.
“Ansett Travel isn’t about replicating the past, it’s about re‑engineering it through AI as the core, not as an afterthought.”
What Ansett Travel will offer
Frantzeskos has previously worked with Emirates, Dubai Tourism and Visit Victoria, and this time partnered with Victorian travel start-up Travlr.
He said the new platform is “like the Costco of travel”.
It is open to everyone “but if you want the really good stuff” — flights, hotels and holidays at near-wholesale prices — you will need to join Ansett VIP, he said.
An Ansett VIP membership is $99 a year.
The Ansett brand has been revived as an AI-first travel platform. Credit: Ansett Travel
Not all AI features are up and running but Frantzeskos said plans for things like auto-generated itineraries, pre-trip alerts, and personalised loyalty experiences are on the cards.
“Today’s travel platforms are reactive,” he said.
“You search, compare, click. Ansett seeks to flip that model.
“It’s designed to anticipate when users need a break – school holidays, anniversaries, executive downtime, great weather for a weekend away – and offer options before you even think to ask.
“It’s not replacing human agents; it’s doing what scale, data and logic do best – with finesse, not friction.”
The website is already live and offering travel deals for destinations including Las Vegas, Bali, Tokyo and Athens.
Before its collapse, Ansett reportedly flew about 10 million passengers annually.
More than 16,000 jobs were lost as a result of the company’s downfall.
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