Tech Tools: Amadeus Offers Traveler Tracking Solution

Amadeus introduced a product that offers travel management companies and corporations mobile tools for global traveler tracking and communication during times of travel disruption or crisis.

Amadeus Mobile Messenger is a standalone solution that works interactively with iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows smartphones, using advanced messaging technology and standard SMS.

The product is a proprietary solution of Charter Solutions International, an Alpharetta, Ga.-based  mobile technology provider; Amadeus has signed a global reseller partnership agreement with Charter Solutions. Amadeus Mobile Messenger will be marketed, implemented and supported by Amadeus worldwide.

Useful during airport closures
Key features include “itinerary locking,” which allows travelers to be displayed on an interactive map based on their itineraries. In normal circumstances, the traveler will disappear from the map when the itinerary expires or travel is completed. But if the travel manager or agent prefers the traveler to stay on the map, the itinerary can be locked.

The feature is useful when an event causes airport closures, forcing a traveler to remain in place. The traveler will remain visible on the map until new arrangements can be made.

Travel simulation feature
Another feature is travel simulation, whereby a traveler’s location can be highlighted, filtered and displayed on user-drawn polygon on a map. For example: a polygon can represent the area of an impending snowstorm.

The simulation feature shows the number of travelers who will be arriving at a defined area in coming days. The feature helps travel agencies forecast resources that will be needed to assist stranded travelers.

Call centers can also use Mobile Messenger to reach out to their travelers as events unfold, thereby reducing call volumes to their locations.

Charter International said it plans to add other modules, such as active compliance monitoring, risk intelligence and reverse auction voucher engine.

Travelport Launches Mobile Solution for Asia-Pacific Agents
Travelport launched GalileoTerminal, a mobile solution for travel agents in the Asia-Pacific region. The web-based solution provides full access to both the Galileo and Apollo GDS platforms via the Internet on PCs, laptops and tablet devices.

It also provides tools to facilitate flight bookings, reservations, fare quoting and the reissuing or refunding of tickets wherever the Internet is accessible.
 
GalileoTerminal will initially be available to agents in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia, with further deployment planned in 2013.

GalileoTerminal operates on most Internet browsers and on the iPad. It soon will also support Android and Galaxy devices.

U.K., Ireland Agents Can Book Ancillaries Through Amadeus Tool
Amadeus launched Amadeus Airline Ancillary Services for U.K. and Ireland travel agencies. Air France, KLM, Finnair and Airberlin have agreed to use the new Amadeus tool to distribute ancillary offerings to travel sellers in the two countries, enabling Amadeus agents to book services such as preferred seats, meals and extra baggage.

Agents can use the Electronic Miscellaneous Document and Virtual Miscellaneous Charges Order, part of IATA’s e-Services initiative to eliminate the use of paper and ease processes, to facilitate the distribution and payment of ancillary services.

Corporate travelers will be able to book airline ancillary services provided by the four carriers through the Amadeus e-Travel Management online booking tool.

Third-party travel technology developers will be able to incorporate the addition of airline ancillary services into customized applications using Amadeus Web Services and API developer tools.