ETW Staff– Mumbai
AirAsia has become the first airline in Asia Pacific to implement light ticketing technology from Amadeus which gives travel agencies a simpler way to book the airline’s content. For the first time, traditional shopping, booking and back-office flows will be combined with real-time dynamic fares provided through AirAsia’s XML connection with Amadeus.
Amadeus connected travel agencies can view and compare AirAsia fares in the same screen as full-service carriers, something not previously possible. Amadeus claims that the new AirAsia booking process is up to five times faster than booking outside of the GDS.
Rayner Teo, head of sales, AirAsia Group, said, “We are pleased to offer travel agencies an easier way to book AirAsia’s extensive fare inventory, which will translate into an increase of flight bookings for the region. Amadeus is fundamental to our growth strategy moving forward. We fly to over 80 destinations around Asia every day and this partnership with Amadeus will allow us to reach a broader sales channel.”
Hazem Hussein, EVP, airline commercial, Amadeus Asia Pacific, said, “This agreement allows AirAsia to better reach the growing corporate sector via Amadeus’ extensive network of travel agencies around the world. This will pave the way for improved yield for the airline. We are proud to have worked with AirAsia since 2006, continually exploring news ways to improve the travel agency booking process. AirAsia’s innovative thinking is one of the many reasons they are leaders in their field.”
