Airbnb’s entrance into the transportation sector has tested industry watchers patience for nearly a decade.
In 2016, the company announced its plans to be more like a full service travel website. The initial focus was on trips and experiences, but the company hinted that transportation could be a potential growth area.
Airbnb customers would be able to book their flights and public transportation options at the same time as booking their accommodation.
The industry buzzed in 2018 when the UK Sunday Times headlined: “Brian Chesky reveals secrets to launch airline.”
Airbnb hired Fred Reid in early 2019 as its only and first global head of transport. Reid is a former airline executive. Reid was the former Delta president and Virgin America CEO – if anyone could bring the air to Airbnb, it was him.
By the time of Reid’s appointment, Chesky ruled out the creation of ‘Airbnb Airways’ or a copycat OTA, but left just about everything else on the table: “I’m not interested in building our own airline or creating just another place on the internet where you can buy a plane ticket, but there is a tremendous opportunity to improve the transportation experience for everyone.”
Reid’s time with Airbnb was cut short due to the pandemic. Airbnb, just like m
