Welcome to 60 seconds with... where we interview a great business every month.
This month, we met Sam Argyle, Managing Director for
Alternative Airlines to get the low-down on his best business advice and highlights in a minute or less.
In your own words, can you tell us a bit about your business please?
Alternative Airlines is a flight search website that offers a fast, easy and convenient way to book flights to remote destinations, as well as well-known locations.
How would you describe your customers?
Our customers are so diverse. They come from all over the world with their own travel plans, but they all share one thing: they love exploring remote places! This is what keeps everyday exciting.
What’s been your biggest highlight since your business started?
My biggest highlight has been seeing our significant growth rates over the last 18 months which has allowed us to triple our team size and hire some fantastic people.
What would you say is the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
Our unique technology and the people building it. We combine over 600 airlines with 20 international payment methods across 70 currencies, personalising the site for every customer.
How has the growth of mobile impacted your business?
Customers are increasingly using their mobiles to research and search for flights (55% of our traffic is on mobile) and we are continuously making this process easier. We’re excited to be launching our new mobile app later this year.
What is your favourite thing about using PayPal?
PayPal Credit is my favourite thing about PayPal. The opportunity to pay using monthly instalments is so convenient, especially when buying expensive purchases like flights.
If you were to give one piece of advice to other businesses, what would it be?
Invest in your team. They will be the ones driving your business and looking after your customers.
Finally, if you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take with you?
A Sherlock Holmes Novel, a cricket ball and the Alternative Airlines App to get me off the island!
Thanks for joining us Sam.