Meili announces SAS partnership to 'enhance' travel experiences

New four-year agreement

Travel technology platform which aims at reinventing partnerships within the global car rental industry Meili has announced a strategic partnership with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). 

The four-year agreement enables SAS’ existing car rental partners to optimise its direct partnership by offering an enhanced car rental experience through Meili’s cloud-based technology. 

The firm is the creation of former CarTrawler CEO Mike McGearty and and CTO Bobby Healy. 

Its new car rental distribution model allows travellers to access to a full suite of car rental products and services, including direct insurance coverage, and real-time vehicle availability, while it also provides premium loyalty benefits typically reserved for direct car rental customers.

Mike McGearty, CEO and co-founder of Meili, said: "SAS is Scandinavia’s leading airline, with destinations in Europe, USA and Asia and a valued addition to our growing partnership portfolio. 

"We are delighted to partner with them, as our model creates alignment and transparency for all stakeholders. Our collective dedication to enhancing the customer experience made this partnership an intuitive choice. 

"We knew how important it was for SAS to maintain their direct car rental partnership relationships along with the synergies brought by their mutual loyalty programs."

He added: "SAS understand the value it provides to their customers, and we are pleased they recognise the added benefit our platform brings.”

Caroline Bergström, head of ancillary products, connectivity & retail of SAS, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Meili. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to offer exceptional services to our customers.

"Together with Meili, we are enhancing travel experiences and simplifying the booking process for our customers who book their rental car via SAS. 

"It's important for us that our customers see the value and benefits of booking a car with SAS, but also the convenience of adding extras such as car insurance in addition to the car at the time of booking.”