Thursday, 21 February 2008: Amadeus, a leading global technology and distribution partner to the travel industry, today announced that it has implemented Amadeus Access Sell for two Chinese carriers, Sichuan Airlines and Shandong Airlines. This milestone brings all Chinese carriers participating in the Amadeus system to its highest level of booking connectivity.
Amadeus Access Sell brings significant benefits to travel agencies who are able to book seats with total confidence as they have access to the airlines´ real time schedule and availability information. Travel agents can effectively communicate directly with an airline’s inventory system when making a booking, receiving instant confirmation and up to date information on seat availability. In addition, Amadeus will enable Sichuan Airlines and Shandong Airlines to process and issue e-tickets, on track to achieve IATA´s 100% e-ticketing deadline.
Mr Hu Pingshu, Vice-Director of Operating Control Committee and Vice-President Administration Department of Marketing & Sales, Sichuan Airlines, said, “As our airline grows, we are constantly looking for ways to service our customers better. Placing ourselves at the highest booking level on the Amadeus system gives us a more responsive real-time booking platform. We look forward to our partnership with Amadeus, growing ever closer as we work with our fellow Chinese carriers toward 100% e-ticketing capability throughout the country.”
Damian Hickey, Vice President, Airline Business Group, Amadeus Asia Pacific, said, “China’s travel industry is booming at a tremendous rate, and its airlines are taking the opportunity to expand their capacities and flight routes. Amadeus, as a leading travel technology provider, is fully committed to supporting the growth of these airlines through our cutting-edge solutions, which are designed to help them tap on the opportunities of the present while bringing them through the challenges of the future.”
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), China is the fastest-growing aviation market worldwide. Airline passenger traffic in the country reached 185 million in 2007, up 16 percent on the previous year. The aviation authority estimates that China’s passenger volumes will continue their double-digit growth till 2010.
Amadeus has the largest travel agency network with 90,270 travel agency locations in 217 markets. Airlines can sell their seats worldwide through these travel agencies connected to the Amadeus distribution system.
