Expedia is activating its long-term technology partnership with Sabre Travel Network, as Expedia.com and Expedia Corporate Travel begin processing reservations through the Sabre global distribution system (GDS). At the same time, Expedia and Sabre announced an extension of their existing relationship to 2012. Expedia(R) also announced its support of Sabre’s Efficient Access Solution (EAS) program.

Commenting on the agreement, Paul Brown, president of the Expedia(R) Partner Services Group, said, “We are pleased to announce today not only the commencement of air bookings with Sabre, but also our support of their EAS program. We see Sabre’s EAS program as the best new program in the marketplace, providing an optimal combination of a comprehensive definition of full content, and protections and support for travel agencies. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with Sabre as we transition a portion of our business towards them.”

Tom Klein, Sabre Holdings’ executive vice president and group president of Sabre Travel Network/Sabre Airline Solutions, added, “Our entire team is very excited about helping Expedia to diversify its distribution providers and obtain the benefits of Sabre’s efficient marketplace. Expedia’s support of the EAS program demonstrates that the program balances the needs of both travel agencies and airlines.” Klein added, “Sabre’s EAS program is a balanced, multilateral approach that provides key long-term assurances and a broad set of protections, including full content and service fee protection, for travel agents in the U.S., Bermuda and the Caribbean.”
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