Amadeus
, a leading global distribution system (GDS)
and technology provider to the travel industry, has been selected by Cunard
UK as its GDS. 
This contract, which is for a period of three years, marks
the first time that Cunard has worked directly with a GDS.  The Amadeus
system will by used by agents working at Cunard`s UK headquarters, based in
Southampton

Cunard
had been looking to make a switch to a technology provider capable of
providing its staff with the most up-to-the-minute systems available.
Having traditionally used the British Airways drop through to BABS, the
transition of BA to Amadeus
during the course of 2001 proved a key factor in
the decision to migrate Cunard`s own systems over to Amadeus.

To begin with, Cunard will take 30 Amadeus User licences, allowing 30
employees access to the Amadeus system at any given time. 
“The migration of British Airways to Amadeus was absolutely instrumental
in our decision to employ Amadeus as our GDS,” commented Alan Betty,
manager of product development, Cunard.  “We had been looking for a GDS
capable of dealing with our varying needs and to have the endorsement of
BA, only helped to validate an already straightforward decision.  Since
implementation began, our agents have noticed a difference in the quality
of service they are able to offer their customers - this is quite simply
due to the fact that the Amadeus system makes their lives far simpler.” 

“Amadeus is very pleased to be working with Cunard,” commented Peter
Cacioppo sales director, Amadeus UK.  “Recently Amadeus has been carefully
targeting cruise lines, with a view to enhancing their understanding of
the real business benefits that GDS utilisation can bring.  To be working
with a company of Cunard`s calibre emphasises the strength of our offering
to the UK market.  At Amadeus we believe in a process of mutual
understanding - a two-way flow allowing us to understand the needs of our
customers and as a consequence the insight to develop products to meet
those needs.  It is this understanding that allows Amadeus to work so well
with companies such as Cunard.”

Related stories on ITN:

(23/05/2002) Carnival Cruise Lines and JAT Now On Amadeus.

903/05/2002)
P&O Cruises Sets Sail With Amadeus Technology

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