Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.

Leonardo da Vinci  

Today, travel has become more accessible. With a simple click of a button, we can instantly book a ticket and fly to the destination of our choice! The ease with which we can get a whole travel experience led to the surge in popularity to build a flight booking app like Emirates. 

This business has already reached billions of dollars. For an estimate, revenue for travel apps in the U.S. is expected to grow by 8.11% per annum in 2022-2027. This means the market is expected to reach a staggering $533.50 million volume by 2027.  

Are you wondering now, how this brand is so high up on the travel scoreboard? They understood the concept of creating an app for the users. This means convenience, the ability to access lucrative offers and deals, as well complete guidance for making a decision when a user is faced with a dilemma.   

It might seem easy to implement all of this for your users when you build a flight booking app like Emirates. This is easier said than done. Thus, let’s explore the steps to build a flight booking app like Emirates and other aspects that can help your business reach greater heights.   

So let’s begin.   

What is the Emirates App?

The Emirates App is a mobile application developed by Emirates Airlines, a renowned international airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The app serves as a digital travel companion for Emirates passengers, providing a range of features and services to enhance their travel experience. Users can conveniently book flights, manage their bookings, check-in online, access their boarding passes, and track their flight status in real time. 

Additionally, the emirates flight ticket booking app offers personalized travel notifications, baggage tracking, airport guides, and the ability to explore and book various destination activities. It aims to streamline the travel process and provide passengers with a seamless and efficient journey. 

Why Should You Consider Investing in a Flight Booking App?

Source: Business of Apps 

• The Online Airline Booking Platform Market is expected to grow at a CAGR between 2019 and 2026 of 10.47%.
• In 2022, there were just over one billion users of travel apps, and more than 75% of those booked their travel via a smartphone or website, with 1.5 billion people traveling globally overall.
• Instagram and Facebook are the main sources of inspiration for 28%. The increase in online ticket booking apps is a result of this.
• According to research, 27% prefer booking their trip via a mobile application.
• 39% of travelers said that they booked a bit quickly using their app.
• Price alerts are also valued by 79% of users, who find them valuable in their flight booking process.
• A travel brand’s app is responsible for 60% of all bookings made on mobile devices.
• The global online travel booking services market was valued at USD 519.5 billion in 2021. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% between 2022 and 2030.

How Does Emirates App Work?

Users of the app may use it to look for and book flights. Users have a number of options for locations, departure dates, and cabin classes. After making a reservation, the customer may use the app to check in for their flight, read their itinerary, and choose their seat. 

The Emirates app also offers real-time tracking of flights, where users can get updates on the status of their flight and gate information. The app also offers access to inflight entertainment, which allows users to choose from a variety of movies, TV series, and music while on their flight.

The emirates airlines uae app also allows users to track their miles and redeem rewards. The Emirates Discover feature allows passengers to book and explore experiences and activities at their destination city. 

Top 5 Examples of Flight Booking Apps   

1. Skyscanner

One of the best flight booking app in UAE, Skyscanner has a reputation for being the best app and website for booking flights. Skyscanner will browse the web to find the most affordable options for travel, lodging, and transportation. 

Input your destination and select the “Cheapest Month” option. Skyscanner will then let you know when flying is most affordable. This app allows you to book cheap flights and hotels, as well as rental cars and vehicles.

2. Kayak

Kayak’s flight booking app allows you to search for flights, hotels, taxi booking, and flight-hotel packages on multiple booking sites. You can find the best-valued and fastest flights within a given timeframe by entering your desired location, departure date, and return date.

Kayak’s flight booking app also allows you to monitor rates and receive email notifications of any changes. Other features include creating a holiday plan and searching for holidays within your budget. 

3. TravelPerk

TravelPerk, a Spanish booking app for business travelers, caters to their needs. Platform offers a unique user experience that makes it stand out among other travel booking websites. TravelPerk, the best flight booking app, offers more than just flights, including train travel. This makes it a fantastic alternative for environmentally conscious tourists who wish to take eco-friendly transportation. TravelPerk’s innovative features and dedication to customer satisfaction are making it the platform of choice for business travel.

4. Kiwi

Kiwi is the best online flight ticket booking app. It claims to be able to find cheap flights, which other travel portals are unable to do. Search for options such as hotels, rental cars, and flights at your destination. Enter your desired departure and arrival dates to find the best-priced airlines.

The price table is divided by month and the days with the best return are highlighted in green. The Kiwi flight app allows you to download boarding cards directly, send trip alerts with just a tap and make reservations with just a few clicks.

5. Momondo

Momondo compares hundreds of airlines and routes in order to find you the best and most convenient deal. Enter your desired destination and departure/arrival time and the Momondo flight app will find you the best and most affordable flight alternatives.

You can view a monthly graph that shows when flight prices will increase or decrease. When booking a round-trip flight on Momondo you can use their Mix & Match feature to create a customized ticket on a different airline for the return leg. This will result in significant savings.

Benefits of Investing in a Flight Booking App like Emirates

Businesses can reap several benefits from investing in an app that allows them to book flights, such as Emirates. Here are a few of the main benefits that can help you build a flight booking app like Emirates: 

1. Streamlined Travel Management

An Emirates airline flight booking app allows businesses to efficiently manage their travel needs. The app allows employees to search, book, and manage flights easily, eliminating the need for manual input and paperwork. The travel management process is streamlined, saving time for employees and travel administrators.

2. Cost Savings

Apps that book flights often offer discounts and special offers. Businesses can save money by using an app to book flights for employees. The entire travel budget for a firm may be significantly impacted by these savings.

3. Time Efficiency

An emirates airlines app can save businesses time by eliminating the need to send employees to travel agencies to book flights or to spend hours on the phone. The app is a convenient, time-efficient method of searching and booking flights. This reduces the time required to make travel arrangements.

4. Travel Policy Compliance

Many flight booking platforms allow businesses to set up travel policies and preferences on the platform. It is important that employees follow company policies when booking flights. This includes preferred airlines, travel classes, and maximum ticket prices. Businesses can control their travel costs and improve consistency by enforcing compliance with travel policies.

5. Mobile Accessibility

Most flight booking apps are designed to be used on mobile devices. This allows employees to manage and access their travel arrangements while they’re on the move. This flexibility is especially beneficial to businesses that have frequent travelers and remote employees who must book flights from different locations.

6. Enhanced User Experience

Modern apps for booking flights prioritize the user experience. They offer intuitive interfaces with personalized recommendations and user-friendly functions. Bookings that are seamless and enjoyable contribute to employee satisfaction and productivity.

Features to Integrate in Flight Booking Apps like Emirates

Now that you know the benefits of investing in flight booking app development, you should now know the essential features of the app. However, it would be better to hire dedicated developers who can easily integrate these features into your app. 

1. Customer Panel

• Interface: The interface of the app should be easy to use and simple so that users are able to search for flights and book them with ease.
• Easy registration: The app must allow users to register with an official email address and contact number. The app should allow users to sign up via their social media accounts.
• Profile verification: After registering with the app using their official email address, users should be able to validate their credentials by entering a pin code sent to their phone number or email address.
• Flight search: To help customers find the best flights, the app should provide search options such as destination, date, and price range.

• Secure payment gateway: The app must have a reliable and secure payment gateway in order to process transactions.
• Notifications: Users should be notified when the status of their flight changes, gates are moved, or there is a delay in departure or arrival.
• App loyalty program: It should offer discounts, freebies, or other benefits to loyal users.
• Ratings and Reviews: Ratings and reviews may be used by users to make knowledgeable travel choices. 

2. Admin Panel

• Flight Management: Administrators should be able to control flight data with the app. This includes timetables and availability as well as costs.
• Booking Management: Administrators should be able to control reservations, cancellations, and refunds.
• Payment Management: Admins can control payments via the app. This includes commissions, refunds, and other payment types.
• Customer Support: The app should provide admins with options for phone, email, and chat support. 

Advanced Features of Flight Booking Apps like Emirates

• Support for multiple languages: The program should support several different languages in order to cater to consumers from many countries.
• Chat in the app: This feature allows users to chat directly with customer service agents.
• Integration of artificial intelligence (AI): The app must use AI to provide personalized suggestions and find the best deals.
• Virtual Reality: The app should offer 360-degree tours of airports, airplane cabins, and other locations.
• Integration with social media: Users should be able to share details of their travel plans and experiences via social media platforms.
• Accounting APIs: Accounting APIs allow administrators to track their finances easily.

How to Make Money From a Flight Booking App Business?

You can earn money from flight booking on-demand app development. There are some business modules or strategies that can boost your flight sales. These strategies can include the implementation of features such as:     

• Merchant Model: Users are able to book flights for a round-trip or one-way trip according to their own convenience.  
• Commissions: By listing the best hotels at the top, you can earn commissions or incentives.

• Advertising Model: Hotels & Airlines advertise on the app, and users are paid per click.

• Social Media campaigns or promotions: Users promote their apps on various social media platforms. Social media promotions can earn you money.

You have entered the market to maximize your profits, so the web application development process for airline applications must include the maximum features. This is how the air flight booking app makes money. This blog is a great resource for users who want to build a flight booking app like Emirates for their business.      

What Type of Flight Booking App Development Do You Need?     

When you choose the type of app, it becomes possible to build any app. The type of app you choose is largely determined by the target audience, the service that you provide, its utility, and your budget. Apps of this type are developed primarily in three different ways:

1. Native Apps

Native Application Development is an option that is specific to a particular operating system. You can choose to have an Android App or iOS App. Native apps use coding patterns such as Swift, C++, and React. Native platforms are faster to run and provide a smoother experience. It is a major disadvantage that requires duplicate codes, which increases the cost of developing an app.

2. Hybrid Apps

Hybrid App Development has the advantage of being cost-effective and compatible with all platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. It is simple to develop a hybrid application as it uses languages such as HTML5, Objective C, etc.  These apps are web-based and provide a seamless experience for users. 

A hybrid application is preferred by most clients due to its general utility. If you want to create a flight booking application like Emirates you will need to choose the platform and then go through the features. Hiring hybrid app development solutions will help you reach your audience with an innovative product.    

Technology Stack to Build a Flight Booking App like Emirates 

How to Build a Flight Booking App like Emirates?

Now here comes the main part of the blog “How to build a flight booking app like Emirates”? Well, developing an emirates booking app can be a daunting task. However, following a step-by-step development process will help you in building an amazing app for your business.    

Step 1: Planning and Research

To gain an understanding of your target audience, start by conducting a thorough market analysis. Identify key features and functions required for the app. Plan your project, including the timeline, budget, and allocation of resources. Think about the design of the app, the user experience, and the technology stack that you will use.

Step 2: Designing User Interface

Create wireframes and prototypes for the user interface of your app. Put your efforts into developing a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing design that is consistent with Emirates’ brand and color palette. Attention should be paid to the essential elements, such as flight listings, search filters, booking forms, and payment options. Ensure that the app’s user interface is straightforward and smooth throughout.

Step 3: Develop the Backend

The backend infrastructure is built in this step. Choose a technology stack and framework that is suitable for server-side application development. Additionally, if you want to build a flight booking app like Emirates for the iOS platform, then it would be better to take assistance from iOS app development services. They will create APIs to integrate with reservation systems for flight booking, so that users can search, view options, and book flights. Implement features such as user authentication, data management, payment processing, and payment processing to securely handle customer information.

Step 4: Build the Frontend

Now that you have created the backend, next you will develop the frontend part. Create a cross-platform app like emirates airlines Dubai that runs on iOS and Android using popular frameworks such as React Native or Flutter. Connect the UI created earlier to the backend using APIs. Make sure the app delivers a smooth user experience across all devices, is responsive, and is accessible.

Step 5: Integration of APIs with Booking Systems

Integrate APIs from airline reservation systems, GDSs (Global Distribution Systems), and other third-party services in order to retrieve real-time information on flight availability and prices. However, you can hire dedicated developers in Dubai who can implement secure payment gateways to facilitate online transactions. They will integrate the app seamlessly with these systems so that users can access accurate flight information.

Step 6: Testing & Deployment

Test the app thoroughly to find and fix bugs. Perform functional, usability, and compatibility tests on various devices and operating systems. Security testing should be prioritized to protect data. After testing, upload the app into the app store, according to their requirements and guidelines.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Flight Booking App like Emirates?

You can calculate the total cost to build a flight booking app like Emirates by looking at all the important features and high-level features that we have mentioned. It takes approximately 1000 hours to build an app, and it costs between $25,000 and $50,000. (as required by the feature).

The cost of developing an app for flight bookings is entirely dependent on what features and factors you wish to include, and which iOS and android app development company you select in the USA.

Let’s look at them in more detail.

1. UI/UX Design

The success of flight ticket booking apps is largely determined by a well-defined UI/UX approach. The development team performs multiple tests to ensure a seamless design. This can increase user engagement and customer retention. The cost of building an emirates flight booking app varies depending on the testing tools and quality assurance checks that are carried out.

2. Underlying Platform

Budgets are affected by the platform that is used to develop the app. Budget requirements for iOS, Android, and cross-platform applications vary. To optimize your budget, it is best to start with one platform. Switching to a cross-platform app once the app has gained traction on the market is recommended. This can minimize the budget requirements while maximizing the app’s reach.

3. Team Size

When selecting the size of a software development team, it is important to weigh up the cost versus quality tradeoffs. The size of the team that builds a flight app has a significant impact on the cost to develop bespoke flight booking apps. Although hiring freelancers can reduce the cost of developing a flight booking app, their lack of expertise may compromise the quality of your software. Outsourcing the project to an experienced custom web development company can reduce the cost of airline ticket booking websites while also leveraging the agency’s expertise.

4. Location of the Development Agency

The location of an app development agency has a direct impact on the cost to develop flight booking apps. The hourly cost of an app developers in the UAE, for example, is lower than the rates in the US, and Europe. 

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information on the most recent travel industry trends at your fingertips, it’s time to start building your own flight booking app like Emirates. You also have the stats which show that the transportation and travel industry is growing every year.

As they can fulfill all of their travel needs by clicking, people are more interested in travel apps. Demand is expected to continue increasing in the future. As a result of this, more travel tech partners invest in these platforms.

So, are you willing to tackle the problem head-on and create your unicorn flight booking app like Emirates? Consult with mobile app development services in UAE who can help you create the best flight booking mobile app as per your needs.