News
LDC-backed 15below acquires Airport AI to build the first connected communications solution for air travel
8 Jul 2025
15below, the market leader in personalised, automated passenger communications for the global airline industry, has acquired Airport AI, a leading conversational AI platform built for airports, to create a unified communications solution that spans the air travel journey.
The integration of 15below and Airport AI aims to close the long-standing communication, data, and customer service gaps between airports and airlines, and improve the air travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide who rely on accurate, real-time information.
The business’ combined solution will provide airports with greater visibility of the passengers within their terminals, deliver a better and more responsive service, and reduce labour and operational costs through a self-service solution for customer support. Airlines will have more comprehensive, conversational, and contextual interactions with passengers, improving service and loyalty. Passengers will gain access to timely, relevant, and accurate updates at every stage of their journey, however they prefer to receive them.
The acquisition will accelerate the growth of the Airport AI solution among global airports, with 15below’s resources, experience, and global footprint aiding its ability to scale beyond its current portfolio of over 80 airports. It also extends the reach of 15below’s platform into new use cases, with conversational AI already proven in high-volume airport environments, and accelerates the company’s AI roadmap.
“We really admire Airport AI’s unique technology and their vision for transforming passenger communications, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience,” says Nicholas Key, CEO of 15below. “This partnership brings together two market leaders with deep expertise across airline and airport systems and passenger engagement, creating a powerful force for positive change across the travel industry.”
We are now in a unique position to drive smarter, more connected journeys for passengers while helping airlines and airports work more efficiently together. We know how much potential this has to benefit the whole aviation industry, and we’re excited to lead this next chapter of intelligent, personalised travel.”
A Proven and Profitable Solution
Airport AI provides an omnichannel Artificial Intelligence (AI) SaaS solution for the airport industry, enabling a two-way conversation channel between airports and passengers. It is already the leading conversational AI provider for airports. It currently serves more than 80 airports, predominantly in Europe, with additional market presence in the Middle East, Australia, and the U.S.
“Our partnership with 15below marks a major milestone, not just for Airport AI, but for the entire aviation ecosystem,” says Pierre Cuquemelle, CEO of Airport AI. “For too long, airports and airlines have operated in silos when it comes to engaging with passengers. By combining our expertise in AI-driven passenger communication with 15below’s deep integration across airline systems, we’re building the foundation for a future where airports and airlines collaborate seamlessly to deliver smarter services, improve operational efficiency, and make travel less stressful for millions of people around the world.”
LDC invested in 15below in February 2024 to support the management team’s ambitious five-year growth strategy, which is underpinned by the continued development of the business’ market-leading technology.
Aylesh Patel, Partner and Head of South at LDC, added: “This first acquisition is a major milestone for 15below and a clear signal that Nick and the team are pursuing their ambitions at pace. With Airport AI onboard, the business is more ready than ever to meet rising demand for seamless, technology-enabled communications in the aviation industry. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next, as they continue to shape the future of travel.”
For more information about 15below and its acquisition of Airport AI, or to speak with Nicholas Key, CEO of 15below, please get in touch with Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.