Abacus has become the first foreign Global Distribution System to secure IATA Billing and Settlement Plan certification for China.

Authorised travel agents on the mainland will now be able to fulfil the entire retailing of travel products offered by foreign BSP airlines.

The BSP is designed to simplify the selling, reporting and remitting procedures of IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents.

Abacus has been a part of BSP since its inception and China is its newest BSP-certified market.

“We are grateful to IATA for their support in providing BSP to new Abacus users in China and to the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its inclusive approach to technological innovation on the mainland,” said Abacus president Robert Bailey.

“It comes just as we are testing foreign airlines’ schedules and fares for live booking. BSP integration will ensure that transactions are equally seamless.”

The benefits of BSP for participating mainland travel agents include:

• Consolidated reporting and remittances
• Electronic ticketing, billing and collection
• Improved quality control

Foreign airlines, 90 of which operate services to China, will also gain from BSP’s efficiencies and financial control.

An industry first, BSP certification for Abacus in China follows the CAAC’s licensing of the company earlier this year, to promote its proprietary travel technology on the mainland.

Abacus has operated in China since 1995, recruiting specialist teams in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu to work with suppliers and travel agencies on a customised booking platform for foreign travel brands.