AirAsia first in APAC to use Amadeus technology for travel agencies

• New technology delivers same booking flow as full-service carrier
• Allows AirAsia to reach a broader sales channel

LOW-cost carrier AirAsia is the first airline in Asia Pacific to implement ‘light ticketing’ technology from Amadeus, a technology provider for the global travel industry, which gives travel agencies an even simpler way to book the airline’s content.
 
‘Light ticketing’ is an evolution of the ticketless access level offered to low-cost and hybrid carriers to help standardise the travel agency work flow – availability/ pricing/ booking/ end of transaction/ reporting – via the introduction of a virtual ticket number, Amadeus said in a statement.
 
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, the latter said.
 
Amadeus-connected travel agencies can view and compare AirAsia fares in the same screen as full-service carriers, something not previously possible, Amadeus claimed.
 
“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,” said Rayner Teo, AirAsia’s group head of sales.
 
“Amadeus is fundamental to our growth strategy moving forward. We fly to over 80 destinations around Asia every day and this partnership … will allow us to reach a broader sales channel,” he added.
 
More than 70 low-cost and hybrid airlines are bookable via Amadeus, and their bookings made in the Amadeus system increased by 21% in 2013, the company said.
 
“This agreement allows AirAsia to better reach the growing corporate sector via Amadeus’ extensive network of travel agencies around the world,” said Hazem Hussein, executive vice president, Airline Commercial, Amadeus Asia Pacific.
 
“This will pave the way for improved yield for the airline.”
 
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