ARC invests in Blockchain travel startup Blockskye

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) has invested in Blockskye, a travel industry-focused blockchain solution developer. The Series A investment marks ARC’s first significant round of venture capital financing.

“We’re delighted to make ARC’s first ever outside investment in Blockskye to support the development of this forward-thinking company and assure customers that the benefits of the industry ecosystem that ARC provides will be easily accessible even as new platforms like blockchain are deployed.”

“Our recent collaboration with Blockskye, a major U.S. airline, and one of their largest corporate accounts makes us optimistic that there are near-term use cases for blockchain that drive strategic benefits and pull these already close relationships even closer,” said ARC President and CEO Mike Premo. “We’re delighted to make ARC’s first ever outside investment in Blockskye to support the development of this forward-thinking company and assure customers that the benefits of the industry ecosystem that ARC provides will be easily accessible even as new platforms like blockchain are deployed.”

Michael Share, Blockskye’s president and co-founder, commented, “Valuable corporate customers are increasingly demanding new ways to book and account for travel. We are focused on doing better for corporate buyers — and our partnership with ARC is a big step forward in that direction. Corporate buyers, TMCs and airlines all win.”

“Blockchain and shared ledger technology present a real opportunity to address a number of the inefficiencies and bottlenecks endemic to travel distribution. We are excited to continue our partnership with ARC,” said Blockskye CEO and Co-Founder Brook Armstrong.

ARC first announced a partnership with Blockskye in January upon the successful completion of a joint proof of concept to determine the viability of using blockchain technology, with the ARC settlement system, to facilitate the reporting and settlement of United Airlines tickets.