Sabre Holdings today announced the signing of a new five-year agreement with leading low-cost carrier AirTran Airways through which the airline commits to make all its fares and inventory available through the Sabre Travel Network global distribution system and Travelocity.
In addition, Travelocity Partner Network, Travelocity’s private label booking business, will become the sole supplier of hotel, cruise and AirTran Vacations packaging content for the AirTran Web site.
“This new long-term agreement is significant to AirTran Airways in the sense that, as our airline evolves, the channels of distribution must also evolve,” said Kevin Healy, vice president of planning for AirTran Airways. “Distributing through multiple Sabre Holdings channels lets us conveniently serve our customers—both business and leisure flyers—and maintain our low-cost structure. AirTran Airways and Sabre Holdings are committed to creating distribution efficiencies through both current and emerging technologies.”
The Sabre GDS provides an electronic marketplace that enables airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and other travel suppliers to sell their products to corporate and leisure travelers through 50,000 global travel agency locations, the world’s largest agency network. Travelocity, the fastest growing online travel agency, is committed to a customer-driven focus. Great prices, live 24/7 phone support and powerful shopping technology have made Travelocity the fifth largest travel agency in the U.S.
“We’re confident that making AirTran’s fares available through multiple assets of the Sabre Holdings distribution portfolio will enable the airline to realize exceptional returns,” said Hugh Jones, chief operating officer of Sabre Travel Network. “This agreement will expand their ability to take advantage of the Sabre GDS to deliver high yield and incremental sales, and of Travelocity to deliver outstanding consumer retailing opportunities. AirTran’s increased commitment to Sabre reconfirms the value of Sabre’s efficient marketplace, providing outstanding value for airlines, travel agencies and travelers.”
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