Flight Centre Travel Group

The story of Flight Centre Travel Group is a remarkable tale of entrepreneurial spirit that began long before the first shop opened its doors. It all started in 1973 when two young Australian veterinarians, Graham 'Skroo' Turner and Geoff 'Spy' Lomas, purchased an aging double-decker bus in London. Naming it 'Argas', they launched Top Deck Travel, a budget adventure tour company that took spirited travelers across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. This bold venture laid the foundation for what would become a global travel empire, driven by a passion for adventure and a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

In 1982, the journey returned to Australia with the opening of the first Flight Centre store in Sydney. With a clear vision to offer the lowest airfares and a passion for opening up the world to those who want to see it, the company expanded rapidly. The 'Family, Village, Tribe' corporate structure was introduced, fostering a unique culture of egalitarianism and ownership that empowered employees to drive the business forward. This philosophy helped Flight Centre transition from a small band of shops into a publicly listed powerhouse on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1995, setting a new benchmark for travel retail.

Today, Flight Centre Travel Group has evolved into one of the world's largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers. Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the group operates more than 30 brands across over 20 countries, including the flagship Flight Centre brand, Corporate Traveller, and FCM. Despite its massive global footprint and technological advancements, the company remains true to its roots, driven by the same adventurous spirit and commitment to delivering amazing travel experiences that started on that double-decker bus over four decades ago.