GDSs Ink New Content Agreements With International Carriers
by Michèle McDonaldAmadeus wraps up IAG deal …
Amadeus signed a new long-term content agreement with International Airlines Group, which includes British Airways, Iberia, and Iberia Express. The agreement, which came just as the carriers’ content agreements were expiring, maintains the current level of access to fares, availability and functionality.
… and signs long-term pact with China Airlines Group
Amadeus signed a long-term content agreement with China Airlines Group that will offer subscribers within Asia access to the same level of fares, availability and functionality as any other travel agent content channel. For agents outside of Asia, China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines increased their content guarantee to Amadeus to the same fares, availability and functionality as they distribute through their own websites, call centers and other travel agency content access channels.
Travelport launches direct operation in Kenya …
Travelport launched a direct commercial presence in Kenya. Its Galileo GDS previously was distributed in the country by Kenya Airways. Travelport’s expanded team will introduce new customer support services and deploy products aimed at helping Kenyan travel agents take advantage of the region’s rapid growth.
… but maintains distributor relationship in Yemen …
Travelport renewed its long-term operator agreement with Universal Travel & Tourism in Yemen. The multi-year agreement affirms that UT&T, which has 12 offices in Yemen, will remain Travelport’s distributor of Galileo technology and services to Yemeni travel agencies.
Travelport completes rollout of Alitalia ancillaries in Italy …
Travelport and Alitalia completed the rollout of the carrier’s ancillary services to subscribers in Italy. The content, which includes checked bag fees, lounge access and insurance, will be fulfilled through an electronic miscellaneous document.
… and signs global content deal with China Eastern
Travelport signed a new multi-year, global content agreement with China Eastern Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines. The carriers also will upgrade their GDS connectivity to the highest level to deliver the most accurate inventory information to travel agents, with the ability to view and sell last-seat availability in real time. They also intend to implement other functionalities such as online check-in, allowing travelers to check in via Travelport ViewTrip, an online itinerary tool.
Abacus signs Korean LCC
Jeju Air, a Korean domestic and international low-cost carrier, signed an agreement to distribute all its fares and schedules through Abacus International. The information initially will be available to Korean travel agency subscribers and will be subsequently extended across the Asia-Pacific region.
Sabre signs Caribbean regional carrier
Sabre Travel Network signed a multi-year distribution agreement with Seaborne Airlines, based in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The carrier connects the islands with Puerto Rico and Dominica and will begin flying to Guadeloupe and Martinique in June.





