Product News

Looking ahead

New from Amadeus

Amadeus is proud to announce the
launch of the new Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform, a bundle of
initiatives that will for the first time
in history, bring airline merchandising and inventory directly to travel agents, adding a range of new and innovative
features to the agent desktop.

Travel agents will now have the ability to easily compare airline offerings in depth and gain additional information about air products beyond just price and schedule.

Developed in collaboration with major carriers across the globe, the Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform is designed to offer the best of the GDS world and the best of the online channel. That is, all the traditional strengths of GDS—global reach and higher value sales—combined with all the efficiency, target marketing and brand differentiation opportunities offered by the airlines’ online sales channels.

By providing a more transparent and in-depth view of airline offerings up front, the platform will empower travel agencies to better compete with the airlines’ direct distribution channels, such as airline Web sites and online travel sites, and allow them to provide a truly tailored experience for their clients.

What is it? Travel agents can now receive merchandising and inventory directly from the airlines via Amadeus Selling Platform.

What new benefits will Travel Agents receive? Flight features will now be showcased in a single integrated display with mouse-over text boxes on Amadeus Selling Platform. Travel consultants now have additional flight information at their fingertips, which eliminates the need to visit an airline Web site or dial a call center. Additionally, travel agents will now receive banner advertisements from the airlines on relevant product offerings—a completely new feature for the industry!

All new functionality is free of charge.

Why did we do it? As your technology partner, Amadeus is committed to delivering technology solutions that ensure the continued longevity of the travel agency sector. The Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform satisfies airline demands and new travel agency needs, so agents can elevate the quality of their travel planning services, while ensuring they remain a preferred partner of the airlines. By meeting the needs of the airlines and market demands, Amadeus is ensuring the travel agency channel remains a competitive and viable distribution tool for the airlines.

Are extra fees involved? No.

In the long run, what will it mean for Travel Agents? Essentially, the Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform means the transition from travel agencies as distributors of airline products to more active managers of the sales process, applying retailing approaches used in other industries (such as food, fashion and consumer goods) and on the Web.

Travel agent benefits include:

• Better content as it enables airlines to offer more services, more information through the indirect channel.
• Improved customer service by making comparison of offers much easier and reducing waitlists and overbooking.
• Cost reduction through the introduction of more automated solutions and ADM reduction.
• Increased transparency as agents will get pricing information and alternatives upfront in a simple and user-friendly way.

 The Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform will be implemented over the next three years. Amadeus has been speaking to airlines about participation, and they have shown great interest. Travel agents will incur no additional charges for this new functionality and Amadeus will provide training to ensure a seamless transition. Stay tuned for future updates.

Drive more sales with
Amadeus Cars

Payless is newest provider

Are you looking for a new way to drive agency sales and ease the strain on your customer’s pocketbook? Add a Payless rental car to their itinerary!

Payless is the newest provider to join Amadeus Cars, and offers over 180 US and international locations. You’ll appreciate up to 10% commission on every booking—and budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the savings you deliver on economy-priced cars, minivans and sport utility vehicles!

With Amadeus Cars Complete Access Plus, every booking you make is instantly transmitted to Payless via a dedicated high-speed link. Within seconds, Payless returns a confirmation number with all of the important information, even mandatory charges. In addition, you’ll receive an Estimated Total Rate, the total amount your customer will pay, which means no surprises for you or your customer!

Currently 22 car companies participate in Amadeus Cars, with over 35,000 car locations worldwide.

To view Amadeus Cars, click here.