Amadeus has signed an extensive long-term content agreement with China Airlines Group.

Within Asia, the new agreement offers Amadeus subscribers access to the same level of fares, availability and functionality as any other travel agent content channel.

Outside of Asia, China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines have increased their content guarantee to Amadeus to the same fares, availability and functionality as both airlines distribute through their own websites, call centres and other travel agency content access channels.

“Travel agencies are a key element of our sales strategy,” said James Yu, senior vice president, president office, China Airlines Group.

“It is extremely important for us to provide the travel agency channel with access to the full range of fares, schedules and inventory from both China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines. This agreement reflects our commitment to this very important distribution channel.

Forecasted passenger volumes for both airlines in 2012 are 13.3m of which 11.1m correspond to China Airlines.

“We are delighted to have reached a content agreement with the China Airlines Group to ensure that our subscribers have access to the most comprehensive range of flight options from China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines,” said Holger Taubmann, senior vice president, distribution, Amadeus.

“This is also an important step within Amadeus strategy to secure long term content agreements with leading airlines in Asia.”

Amadeus plays a critical role in the distribution space ensuring true global coverage with a 38.6 per cent global market share of air travel agency sales.

Today 80 per cent of Amadeus bookings worldwide are made on airlines with which Amadeus has a content agreement.

Furthermore, this agreement will strengthen the Amadeus travel agency offering in Asia, providing them with an effective and technologically advanced distribution partner.