Spanish online travel agency Destinia has acquired B2C brands Travel Republic and Netflights as part of its plans to expand into the British market.
Travel Republic and Netflights were previously part of the Dnata Travel Group in the UK.
Dnata had launched a consultation in November with staff of Travel Republic and Netflights after “confirming proposals to bring operations to a close”. The company said the proposal was a result of a previously announced review of its UK-based travel businesses and confirmed its other UK brands, B2B operator Gold Medal and retailer Travelbag, were unaffected.
A dnata Travel Group spokesperson told Travel Weekly: “We can confirm that we have reached an agreement with Destinia for the asset sale of two of our UK‑based travel brands, Travel Republic and Netflights.
“This follows our decision to wind down our involvement in these brands as part of a broader strategic review of our UK portfolio.
“All confirmed Travel Republic and Netflights bookings will be fully honoured. Travellers can continue with their plans with confidence, and dnata Travel Group’s customer services teams will remain available to support them throughout the transition.
“We remain committed to clear and transparent communication with our employees, customers and partners as the process progresses.”
Destinia said in a statement: “Both Travel Republic and Netflights are established UK brands with a long history and a strong customer base. Destinia plans to continue operating the brands while supporting them with its technology and operational platform.”
Ricardo Fernández, chief executive of the Destinia Group, said: “Travel Republic and Netflights have built long-term relationships with their customers.
“Our focus is on keeping the service and booking experience people trust, while supporting the brands with our systems and scale.”
Destinia said it will “prioritise continuity” for customers and expand the range of holidays and flights available, particularly to Mediterranean destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, “supported by strong directly contracted partnerships in these markets”.
The statement said the acquisition forms part of Destinia’s wider international growth strategy and allows Destinia to enter the UK market through brands that are already well known to British travellers.
More: Dnata confirms plan to close Travel Republic and Netflights B2C brands
