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Business travel with Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is experiencing a major upswing, driven by impressive account wins at its FCM Travel division, according to Melissa Elf, Global COO of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller.
FCM Travel has secured a pipeline of new corporate accounts worth almost AU$400 million, heralding strong growth just as FCTG enters its fiscal 2026 year.
The company revealed that first-quarter total transaction value (TTV) for FCM Travel rose by nearly 7%, while its leisure arm also posted healthy growth. Still, FCTG noted that lingering shifts in travel patterns from last year are affecting profit comparisons, though these were expected.
Looking ahead, the travel group is targeting an underlying profit before tax (UPBT) of AU$305–340 million for FY26, representing a potential 5.5%–17.6% increase over FY25.
Elf emphasised that the Australia–New Zealand (ANZ) market remains the “bedrock” of Flight Centre’s corporate operations, citing decades of local expertise and trust. In a complex global landscape marked by fluctuating airfares and uncertainty, she said having a “strategic partner” like FCM is proving invaluable for businesses.
One of FCM’s strengths is its ability to tailor solutions for large organisations, including implementing New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology for Australian clients. This approach has unlocked richer content and often more competitive pricing.
On the innovation front, both FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller are harnessing artificial intelligence. Their “people-powered AI” system helps direct client inquiries to the right local consultant — boosting efficiency while preserving personal relationships.
Elf also highlighted Flight Centre’s global touch: with geopolitical shifts — such as a U.S. federal government shutdown — having real effects, companies with international operations are leaning on FCM’s local expertise and duty-of-care capabilities.
Finally, despite a market cap of around AU$2.6 billion, Flight Centre shares have faced turbulence this year
