TravelOptions, a leading tour operator systems provider, is launching a new flights system that will allow travel companies to reduce their flight commitments and sell dynamic packages. The solution will provide operators and agents with an engine to search content from low-cost, charter and scheduled airlines, and automatically integrate the reservation into their TravelOptions’ back-office system.

TravelOptions’ solution will provide access to millions of air options from charter and scheduled carriers, and airfares from almost 30 low-cost carriers, including EasyJet, RyanAir and bmibaby. Seat reservations are then combined with the travel company’s own tour and accommodation options.

A web version of the solution will also be rolled out in Q1 2005, allowing agents and operators to offer tour, accommodation and flight components, which their customers can package online.

For today’s launch of the flights solution, TravelOptions becomes the first tour operator systems provider to harness elements of Multicom’s FindandBook, the travel industry’s first leisure GDS, within its existing technology.

Michael Johnson, TravelOptions’ managing director said: “Travel companies are beginning to focus on bed-only and are reducing their flight commitments because of competition from low-cost airlines.

“Our solution allows them to research and book air travel efficiently, earn commission from charter and scheduled airlines or charge a booking fee for low-cost reservations and build packages altogether more quickly.”

The solution means TravelOptions’ customers no longer need to search viewdata to make their flight-only booking, and removes the need for them to manually re-enter reservation details in their TravelOptions system.
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