How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like easyJet?

easyJet, a leading budget airline in Europe, has transformed the way travelers book flights. The company’s mobile app allows users to easily browse flight options, book tickets, check-in, and manage bookings directly from their smartphones. For developers looking to build a similar travel app targeting the European market, there are several unique considerations that significantly affect the development cost.

‍

Europe is home to a diverse set of regulatory environments, platform preferences, and customer expectations that can greatly impact how much it costs to develop an app like easyJet. From compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to integrating multiple local payment systems and offering multi-language support, there are a range of factors to keep in mind.

‍

This article explores the factors that will influence how much it costs to build an app like easyJet in Europe. We will look at platform compatibility, the complexity of app features, UX/UI preferences, third-party integrations, and the regulatory landscape to give you a comprehensive understanding of what goes into building an app like easyJet.

‍

Platform and Device Compatibility

The choice of platforms and devices for your flight booking app will play a significant role in both custom app development costs and the app’s reach in the European market. Understanding the unique platform preferences in Europe is essential for targeting the right audience.

‍

iOS vs. Android:

‍

• iOS: In markets such as the UK, Germany, and France, iOS is a dominant platform, with many users in these countries more likely to use Apple devices for booking travel. However, developing an iOS app often requires higher costs for development and testing.
• Android: Android dominates in countries like Spain and Italy, where a wide range of devices are available across various price points. Developing for Android requires addressing compatibility with many devices and screen sizes, which can increase testing time and costs.

‍

Cross-Platform Development:

‍

In many cases, developers choose cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter. These frameworks help reduce costs by allowing a single codebase for both iOS and Android. While this can lower the upfront development cost, it can also come with limitations in performance, especially for a feature-heavy app like easyJet.

‍

Web and Tablet Versions:

‍

Travel apps often benefit from web and tablet versions, especially for booking management or larger devices with more screen space. If targeting both mobile and desktop users, the development of these versions will add costs, but it will also expand your reach.

Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

For travel apps, UX/UI design is a critical factor that impacts user engagement and satisfaction. In Europe, design preferences can vary based on region, and understanding these nuances is key.

‍

UX/UI Preferences:

‍

• Minimalist Design: European users, particularly in countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the UK, prefer a clean, minimalist design that focuses on functionality. Users expect intuitive interfaces that are quick to navigate and visually appealing.
• Trust and Security: Given the sensitive nature of payment processing, a travel app must also ensure that the UI communicates trustworthiness and security. This includes transparent booking processes, easy-to-read terms and conditions, and clear privacy policies.

‍

Localization for Multiple Markets:

‍

In Europe, the need for multi-language support and localized content is significant. Countries like France and Germany have distinct design preferences and require localized versions of the app. This can increase development time and costs due to translation, cultural adaptation, and regulatory considerations.

‍

Integrations with Third-Party Services/External Systems

Integrating with third-party services is essential for a travel app like easyJet. This includes flight data providers, payment gateways, and other services necessary to offer a seamless user experience.

‍

Payment Integrations:

‍

Europe uses several popular local payment systems, such as Klarna, SEPA, and Bancontact. Integrating these payment systems into your app requires APIs and additional security measures. Compliance with PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) is also necessary to ensure secure and seamless payment processing.

‍

External Systems:

‍

• Flight Data Providers: Real-time flight information is crucial for a flight booking app. Integrating with third-party flight data providers (e.g., Amadeus or Sabre) can be expensive but is necessary for accurate pricing, flight schedules, and availability.
• Weather & Travel Information: For added functionality, integrating with weather APIs or travel advisory services can provide real-time updates to users, improving their overall experience.

‍

Database & Backend Infrastructure

A Monzo-like travel app requires robust backend infrastructure to handle booking systems, user accounts, payment processing, and real-time updates. The GDPR regulation in Europe also adds complexity to how personal data is stored and processed.

‍

Data Residency:

‍

Given the strict GDPR requirements, data must often be stored in EU-based data centers, which can add infrastructure costs. Providers like Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure offer compliant hosting services within Europe but at a higher cost compared to non-EU alternatives.

‍

Scalability:

‍

As the app grows and expands across Europe, the ability to scale efficiently is crucial. Ensuring that your database architecture can handle increasing numbers of users and transactions is essential for long-term success.

‍

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

Maintaining and updating a flight booking app like easyJet is an ongoing process. Regular updates are needed to ensure the app remains compliant with evolving regulations and that it continues to provide users with the best experience.

‍

GDPR Compliance:

‍

As privacy regulations evolve, continuous updates to the app’s data processing, privacy policies, and user consent mechanisms are required to maintain compliance with GDPR.

‍

OS and Security Updates:

‍

Updating the app for new OS versions (iOS and Android) is essential to remain compatible with the latest features and ensure security patches are applied. Given the sensitive nature of financial data and booking information, frequent updates are necessary to protect users.

‍

Team Expertise and Location

Building a complex app like easyJet for the European market requires a team with a diverse set of skills, particularly around data security, GDPR compliance, and multi-language support.

‍

Distributed Teams:

‍

Europe has a well-established tech talent pool in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and the UK, where developers with experience in both back-end systems and UX/UI design are readily available. Working with a distributed team allows for specialized expertise in each region, particularly around regulatory compliance and localization.

‍

Hidden Costs & Miscellaneous Factors

QA & Testing: Thorough testing is required to ensure that the app works seamlessly across different devices, operating systems, and local regulations. This includes security testing, load testing, and functional testing, which adds time and cost to the development process.

‍

App Store Fees and Guidelines: Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store charge submission fees and have their own guidelines that must be followed. These vary by region and can impact your budget.

‍

Legal and Compliance Costs: As mentioned earlier, adhering to GDPR, PSD2, and local financial regulations is mandatory, and the cost of ensuring compliance can be significant.

‍

What Makes This App Category Unique in Terms of Development for Europe

Building a travel app like easyJet for the European market comes with unique challenges due to regional regulations, platform preferences, and the need for localization. The diverse nature of European countries means that user behavior, payment systems, and security expectations can differ dramatically.

‍

A successful app must offer a seamless experience that caters to the specific needs of users in each country. Whether it's compliance with GDPR, integrating with local payment systems, or offering multi-language support, these factors all contribute to the complexity and cost of development.

‍

Looking for a custom app built to succeed in Europe? 

At Scrums.com, we specialize in developing compliant, localized software that meets the needs of a diverse European market. Whether it’s GDPR readiness or multi-language interfaces, we know what it takes to make your app a success. Contact us today to get a custom-fit estimate for your European app project!