New York — As they consolidate and grow, travel agencies earn more incentive money from global distribution system providers. Just how much has been hard to ascertain, since incentives are not specifically teased out in GDS company financial reports. With the US Airways v. Sabre case underway here, some interesting numbers are emerging. According to…
Amadeus and Sabre are taking a new approach to developing corporate booking tools for small and medium businesses. In some smaller markets around the globe, they’re hooking up with tech partners. Sabre in August announced a deal with Serko to serve SMEs Down Under. The New Zealand-based company will replace proprietary booking software in the Sabre…
Adoption of online booking technology means corporate agencies can grow without a commensurate increase in headcount. But when new travel agents are needed, especially as the retirement bubble looms, how do they find them and what competencies are they looking for? For young people considering their careers, travel isn’t as glamorous as it used to…
[UPDATE, Feb. 8, 2017: Southwest plans to complete by May 9 the second “foundational release” of the new Amadeus Altéa reservation system. That would cover passenger check-in and boarding, baggage check-in and other operational functions. The initial release in December 2016 allowed for domestic U.S. ticket sales. The airline described that as a “virtually flawless”…
[UPDATE, June 10: Amadeus clarified comments on NDC, which may have given some readers the wrong impression. This article contains revised quotes.] Egencia in March began selling bag checks online to European customers. It’s another example of a corporate travel distributor making gains on access to ancillary airline options. In partnership with Amadeus, the service…
Given the intensity of its people’s travel, The Boston Consulting Group is not known as a stickler on expenses. But relatively flexible policies and willingness to spend on better services aren’t everything. Ease of process is important, too. BCG head of global travel Gehan Colliander said the company is moving toward a more employee-centric travel…
[UPDATE, Feb. 4: Sabre announced that AA’s Preferred and Main Cabin Extra Seat now are available in the Sabre global distribution system. A Sabre official said a “phased rollout” will wrap up in mid-February.] Sabre at U.S. points of sale on Feb. 2 will start facilitating American Airlines’ paid seats, according to a Sabre memo…
End of content
End of content
