Following the successful release of its Qantas Airways iPhone app in May, Qantas has launched a version for Android and will be the first Australian airline to integrate Google Now for customers.

The new additions mean Qantas has a full suite of mobile app offerings for the key operating systems, including iOS, Android and Windows.

The Android app lets Qantas customers buy airfares, book hotels, view their Frequent Flyer points and check-in all from one location.

Qantas’ integration of Google Now will equally benefit customers giving them information about their trip before they even ask, including flight details, directions to the airport with live traffic updates and reminders to leave as well as the local weather at their destination.

Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said the increased focus on mobile technology was a conscious effort by the company to drive mobile bookings and check-ins, freeing up customers’ time.

“All our apps are aimed at making booking flights easier, reducing queuing at airports and ensuring that customers are aware of the best deals for their next trip,” Mr Strambi said.

“Since the launch of our iPhone app in May, we have seen a more than 20 per cent increase in mobile bookings.

“It’s great that our domestic customers are realising the benefits of mobile check-in – avoiding queues and removing any need to print a booking confirmation at home or boarding pass at the airport.”

Mr Strambi said the Google Now integration was also about giving customers a seamless travel experience.

“Google Now lets Qantas give customers a degree of personalised service before they have even reached our airport terminal,” he said.

Android app key features:

• Access Qantas’ best fares
• Search and book flights quickly and securely
• Search and book from over 100,000 hotels
• Create personalised sale alerts (with the option to be alerted by price preference and/or destination)
• Check-in for most domestic flights
• Locate lounges and search lounge facilities across the network
• Share deals and discounts with friends and family easily via social media or SMS
• Log-in as a Frequent Flyer to view points balance and next flight information
• Access up to the minute flight status information

The Qantas Android app is available now for free in the Google Play Store. Other Qantas apps available include the Qantas Airways app for iPhone, The Qantas Frequent Flyer app for iPhone and award-winning Qantas app for Windows Phone. Qantas’ inflight magazine, Qantas The Australian Way, is also available for iPads. Google Now is available via the Google Search App for Android 4.1+ devices, and the Google Search app on iOS devices, available for download from Apple’s App Store.