GDS Updates: Sabre to Add Access to KLM’s Economy Comfort

Air France-KLM Pact With Sabre Will Boost Connectivity
Sabre Travel Network renewed its multiyear full-content agreement with Air France-KLM. As part of the deal, KLM will make its Economy Comfort seats available through the Sabre GDS, using industry standards developed by ATPCo and IATA, with other ancillary products to follow. The carriers also upgraded their connectivity level in Sabre to limit booking failures for online travel agencies. Sabre agents also will have improved access to availability on Air France and KLM flights.

Qantas Renews With All Three Western GDS Companies
Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport signed new long-term agreement with Qantas Airways that include access to the carrier’s full published inventory and to booking and payment for ancillary content such as advance seat selection.

Travelport Adds Two Accor Brands
Travelport added Sofitel and Pullman Hotels to its Lowest Public Rate Program, which guarantees travel agents access to the lowest publicly available rate. Both chains are part of the Accor Hotel Group.

Saudi Low-Cost Carrier Signs With Travelport
Nasair, a Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier, signed a worldwide agreement to distribute its full fare content and inventory through Travelport’s Galileo and Worldspan platforms. It is Nasair’s first GDS deal. The carrier also will implement Travelport ETDBase, an e-ticket database hosting service.

Airberlin to Use Amadeus Ancillary Services
Airberlin adopted Amadeus Ancillary Services to distribute its ancillary offerings to travel agencies and through its website, call centers and ticket offices. The solution enables Amadeus travel agents in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to sell preferred seats and meals and to process excess baggage using the Amadeus Electronic Miscellaneous Document.

RAK Airways Signs First GDS Deal
RAK Airways, the national airline of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the United Arab Emirates, signed its first GDS participation agreement with Travelport, giving Galileo and Worldspan users worldwide access to all its fares and inventory.

Sabre Extends Copa Agreement
Sabre Travel Network extended its multiyear agreement to distribute Copa Airlines’ full content through the Sabre GDS. Sabre will also support Copa Airlines’ merchandising strategy, which is still in development.