Air Conso Returns: Schmetterling's Ticket Consolidator Reimagined
Air Conso, Ticket consolidator Schmetterling is making a strong comeback in the market. After a period of uncertainty, the company has been strategically reactivated to become a serious alternative to the dominant player in the airline ticket distribution segment. The key to the turnaround was Schmetterling's acquisition of the technology and experienced team from the defunct FTI-Ticketshop – an opportunity that arose amidst market turbulence.
New management and strengthened team
In February 2025, Guido Asmuth, formerly the Sales Director of FTI-Ticketshop, took the helm at Air Conso. Along with him came ten former colleagues from FTI, thus strengthening Air Conso’s team with individuals possessing extensive experience in the ticket consolidation segment.
Technological leap: fareWizard+ and a brand new backend
In April 2025, Schmetterling took over all of FTI-Ticketshop's technology – including front- and back-end systems and the advanced booking platform. fareWizard+. Director Schmetterlinga, Ömer Karaca, called the move a “true coup” and stressed that it is a „state-of-the-art“ solution that will enable Air Cons to successfully restart. A project for the full implementation of FTI technology is underway, with the aim of launching an independent flight booking system within the next six months.
Extended services and support for agencies
Even before full technical integration, numerous innovations were introduced:
- Customer support opening hours have been extended.
- Integration with the three main GDSs – Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo – is enabled, with the option to book tickets via the „Queue“ process.
- Air Conso offers favourable terms for agencies migrating to one of the GDSs.
- Ticket automation has been introduced to efficiently handle the increased issuance of tickets.
- The old booking platform Skybutler has been replaced by a modern one. Flightbuilder.com, which offers NDC fares, integration with mid-office systems such as Argus, and the ability to import and modify existing bookings (PNRs).
Market response: return of former FTI clients
The strategy has already paid off – Air Conso is recording strong user growth, including many former FTI-Ticketshop customers. According to Karace, this is a clear signal that the decision to invest in people and technology was the right one.
A logical continuation of a long-standing collaboration
The collaboration between Schmetterling and FTI-Ticketshop has been ongoing since 2018, making the acquisition of staff and technology a natural step. Particularly significant is the fact that FTI's technology is independent of GDSs, which allows access to various fare sources, including new NDC standards. This makes Air Conso an attractive partner for agencies seeking flexible and competitive options.
Air Con's story shows how market changes and the disappearance of a major player can open doors for others. By investing in top experts and modern technology, Schmetterling is positioning its ticket consolidator as a strong, flexible, and technologically advanced alternative – ready for new challenges and growth.
