Forgotten airline returns after 20 years with bold AI comeback
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For many, a once-iconic name in air travel still brings back memories of a time when flying felt more refined, more personal, and deeply connected to home.
Its rise and eventual collapse left a lasting impact on the aviation landscape, with thousands affected and a familiar sight vanishing from the skies.
But just when it seemed like the name had faded for good, it’s making an unexpected return. This time, it’s not about planes in the air—it’s about reimagining travel from the ground up with the help of new technology.
The revival comes courtesy of Melbourne entrepreneur Constantine Frantzeskos, who spotted that the famous Ansett trademark had lapsed.
Seizing the opportunity, he registered the name and set about building a new kind of travel agency—one that’s run almost entirely by artificial intelligence.
'Ansett is back—reborn as Australia’s first truly AI-run travel agency,' Frantzeskos announced on LinkedIn.
'I registered the trademark, created a fleet of AI agents, and—thanks to a tech integration with Travlr—have now turned Ansett into a one-founder online travel agency.'
The new Ansett Travel website is powered by a combination of large language models (think ChatGPT), recommendation systems, and predictive pricing engines.
The goal is to offer a personalised, intuitive, and value-driven experience that’s a far cry from the clunky, impersonal online travel agents (OTAs) many of us have grown used to.
According to the Ansett Travel website, the AI behind the scenes helps personalise your journey, surfaces better deals faster, and automates the back-end processes that traditional travel agents still handle manually.
The platform boasts access to 500 airlines and three million hotels worldwide, so whether you’re planning a quick trip to see the grandkids or a bucket-list holiday, there’s plenty of choice.
The AI can recommend flights, hotels, and experiences tailored to your preferences, and it’s designed to make the whole process as smooth as possible.
No more endless scrolling or comparing prices across a dozen tabs—the AI does the heavy lifting for you.
While the Ansett name still holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians—especially those who remember the airline’s heyday as a major sponsor of the AFL and the 2000 Sydney Olympics—the new venture is keen to stress that it’s not just about nostalgia.
'We’re not trading on nostalgia—we’re reviving a trusted name and giving it a new identity: intelligent, intuitive, and value-driven,' the website said.
The aim is to recapture the spirit of innovation, personal service, and premium experience that made Ansett a favourite, but with a thoroughly modern twist.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this could be a game-changer. Many of us remember the days when booking a holiday meant popping into the local travel agent for a chat and a cuppa, not wrestling with confusing websites and endless pop-ups.
The promise of a more personalised, AI-driven service could bring back some of that old-fashioned care without sacrificing the convenience of booking from home.
Plus, with AI handling the nitty-gritty, you might find better deals and more tailored recommendations, whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, a family reunion, or a solo adventure.
Ansett’s transformation is just one example of how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries across the board.
From healthcare to banking, and now travel, AI is making services faster, smarter, and more personalised.
For some, this is an exciting leap forward; for others, it can feel a bit daunting.
If you’re curious but cautious about using AI-powered services, you’re not alone.
The good news is that these systems are designed to be user-friendly, and there’s usually help available if you get stuck.
And who knows? You might find that booking your next trip is easier—and more enjoyable—than ever.
Do you have fond memories of flying with Ansett? Would you give the new AI-powered Ansett Travel a go, or do you prefer the human touch when planning your holidays? Have you tried any other AI-powered services lately? Share your stories, questions, and opinions in the comments below.
Read more: AI scam wave puts Australian bank accounts at risk
Its rise and eventual collapse left a lasting impact on the aviation landscape, with thousands affected and a familiar sight vanishing from the skies.
But just when it seemed like the name had faded for good, it’s making an unexpected return. This time, it’s not about planes in the air—it’s about reimagining travel from the ground up with the help of new technology.
The revival comes courtesy of Melbourne entrepreneur Constantine Frantzeskos, who spotted that the famous Ansett trademark had lapsed.
Seizing the opportunity, he registered the name and set about building a new kind of travel agency—one that’s run almost entirely by artificial intelligence.
'Ansett is back—reborn as Australia’s first truly AI-run travel agency,' Frantzeskos announced on LinkedIn.
Iconic Australian airline Ansett has made a comeback more than 20 years after its closure, now operating as an AI-powered travel agency rather than a traditional airline. Credit: Facebook
'I registered the trademark, created a fleet of AI agents, and—thanks to a tech integration with Travlr—have now turned Ansett into a one-founder online travel agency.'
The new Ansett Travel website is powered by a combination of large language models (think ChatGPT), recommendation systems, and predictive pricing engines.
The goal is to offer a personalised, intuitive, and value-driven experience that’s a far cry from the clunky, impersonal online travel agents (OTAs) many of us have grown used to.
According to the Ansett Travel website, the AI behind the scenes helps personalise your journey, surfaces better deals faster, and automates the back-end processes that traditional travel agents still handle manually.
The platform boasts access to 500 airlines and three million hotels worldwide, so whether you’re planning a quick trip to see the grandkids or a bucket-list holiday, there’s plenty of choice.
The AI can recommend flights, hotels, and experiences tailored to your preferences, and it’s designed to make the whole process as smooth as possible.
No more endless scrolling or comparing prices across a dozen tabs—the AI does the heavy lifting for you.
While the Ansett name still holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians—especially those who remember the airline’s heyday as a major sponsor of the AFL and the 2000 Sydney Olympics—the new venture is keen to stress that it’s not just about nostalgia.
'We’re not trading on nostalgia—we’re reviving a trusted name and giving it a new identity: intelligent, intuitive, and value-driven,' the website said.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this could be a game-changer. Many of us remember the days when booking a holiday meant popping into the local travel agent for a chat and a cuppa, not wrestling with confusing websites and endless pop-ups.
The promise of a more personalised, AI-driven service could bring back some of that old-fashioned care without sacrificing the convenience of booking from home.
Plus, with AI handling the nitty-gritty, you might find better deals and more tailored recommendations, whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, a family reunion, or a solo adventure.
Ansett’s transformation is just one example of how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries across the board.
From healthcare to banking, and now travel, AI is making services faster, smarter, and more personalised.
If you’re curious but cautious about using AI-powered services, you’re not alone.
The good news is that these systems are designed to be user-friendly, and there’s usually help available if you get stuck.
And who knows? You might find that booking your next trip is easier—and more enjoyable—than ever.
Read more: AI scam wave puts Australian bank accounts at risk
