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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 was established by former Jetset Travel (now Helloworld Travel) Chief Executive David Clarke, Allan Nahum and John Lemish in 1998.[1]

The company was publicly listed on the ASX in 2000 through a reverse takeover deal with Roper River Resources NL.[2] 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.[3]

In April 2010, Webjet Limited 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.[4]

In February 2011, John Guscic was appointed as Webjet's Managing Director, after serving on the Webjet board since 2003.[5]

In April 2012, Webjet OTA signed as a major sponsor of the Melbourne Football Club, with players sporting the Webjet.com.au logo on the front of their club jerseys less than 24 hours after the deal was struck.[6] In the same month, Webjet also partnered with Australian loyalty program flybuys.[7]

In July 2012, Webjet entered into its first international franchise agreement with BidTravel in South Africa.[8]

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

In November 2013, Webjet signed a two-year deal as the principal sponsor of Sydney Thunder for the 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 seasons.[11]

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.[12] Webjet entered into a binding Heads of Agreement to acquire the SunHotels Group in Europe,[13] and was fully acquired by September 2014.[14]

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.[15]

On 9 November 2016, Webjet announced the sale of Zuji for $56 million, doubling its investment.[16]

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 re-acquired the rights to Webjet.com, with the remaining brand and operations transitioning over to 'Flyus.com'.[17]

In August 2017, Webjet announced the purchase of UK-based Jac Travel (who in turn had acquired its rival Totalstay in 2015).[18]

In March 2021, Webjet announced an investment in LockTrip.[19]

In September 2024, Webjet Limited demerged, creating two independent companies: Web Travel Group and Webjet Group.[20]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Webjet announces board shake-up". The Age. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  2. ^ Tan, Su-Lin (4 February 2015). "Webjet starts accepting Bitcoins for holiday packages". The Sydney Morning Herald. [verification needed]
  3. ^ "Webjet Redies For 100% Automation - Webjet.com.au". media.webjet.com.au. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  4. ^ Schaal, Dennis (23 April 2010). "Former Virgin Blue exec brings online travel agency Webjet to US". Phocuswire.
  5. ^ "Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB)" (PDF). Australian Securities Exchange.
  6. ^ "Webjet Signs as Major Sponsor of Melbourne Football Club" (Press release). Webjet. 13 April 2012.
  7. ^ "More bells and whistles for Coles FlyBuys". Financial Review. 20 April 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  8. ^ Kelly, Martin (24 July 2012). "Southern Africa Franchise Move By Webjet and BidTravel". Travel Trends.
  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. ^ "Webjet signs with Thunder". Sydney Thunder. 23 November 2012.
  12. ^ "Sydney FC And Webjet Agree New 2 Year Partnership". Sydney FC. 18 February 2014.
  13. ^ "Significant Webjet Growth Acquisition in Europe".
  14. ^ "Sunhotels - Webjet Limited". Webjet Limited. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  15. ^ Tan, Su-Lin (4 February 2015). "Webjet starts accepting Bitcoins for holiday packages". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  16. ^ May, Kevin (9 November 2016). "Four years on, Webjet sells Zuji for AUS$56 million and doubles its money". Phocuswire.
  17. ^ "Company to re-acquire rights to webjet.com domain name from joint venture partner". Travel Daily. 30 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Webjet Is Buying JacTravel as Wholesaler Consolidation Intensifies". 2 August 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  19. ^ "Investment in Locktrip" (PDF). 18 March 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Shareholders approve demerger". Web Travel Group. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
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