Galileo Asia, the leading global distribution services (GDS) provider and subsidiary of Travelport, has announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Lao Airlines, the national air carrier of Laos.Lao Airlines flies between its base at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport and cities throughout Laos, using the ATR 72, Y-12 and MA-60 aircraft. The airline also serves destinations in neighbouring China, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Under the terms of this exclusive, three-year agreement, Galileo-connected travel agents will have full access to the airline’s domestic fares and associated inventory. In addition, Lao Airlines will make available to Galileo all fares, reservation booking classes, associated inventory and any other data that Lao Airlines provides on all its flights, both domestic and international, through any other distribution channel, including its own reservation system.

Another important benefit of the Galileo - Lao Airlines link up is Lao’s agreement to develop and implement its electronic ticketing capabilities using the Galileo system before doing so with any other GDS.

Mr. Rada Sunthorn, Commercial Director of Lao Airlines, said, “This partnership with Galileo will enable us to improve the service and level of choice that we deliver to our agents domestically by providing Galileo’s automated reservation, ticketing and fares                          

distribution system.  At the same time, the link-up with Galileo provides Lao Airlines a much larger distribution network through Galileo’s GDS in the region, thus allowing us to be more accessible and expanding our sales potential into markets where we have not been represented before.”

Mr. Brad Holman, Managing Director Airline Services, for Galileo, Asia Pacific, commented, “We are particularly excited about our unique relationship with Lao Airlines, which again demonstrates Galileo’s goal of delivering breakthrough partnerships and diverse product offerings to our customers. At the same time, our relationship will enhance and strengthen Galileo’s growth in the Laotian market.”
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