Sabre incorporates Sabre Branded Fares into GDS for launch partner Qantas

Sabre Travel Network is implementing a new feature integrated into the standard travel agency desktop of its global distribution system (GDS) which allows airlines to leverage special fares and fare packages in a more powerful way, delivering advanced capabilities to Sabre-Connected travel agents.

Sabre has incorporated Sabre Branded Fares into its GDS for launch partner, Qantas Airways. This will enable the airline to package and brand a variety of fares featuring different attributes. This new way to display its fares in all channels allows Qantas to capitalize on its marketing efforts while simplifying the fare structures.

“Airlines in Australia and New Zealand have led the move to using a select number of branded Œfare families’ that have simple, but clearly differentiated rules. This has also enabled carriers to assign attributes to the various fare families to differentiate themselves in this highly competitive market place,” according to Hans Belle, vice president of marketing for Sabre Travel Network. “This innovative feature significantly enhances an airline’s product branding and consistency across channels to the benefit of travel agencies and the end consumer.”

Belle added that there are multiple price points with common rules within each Œfare family that are individually inventory controlled on each flight according to demand. “However, now an agent only has to look for the lowest available fare within the chosen Œfare family - an approach now employed by numerous airlines around the world,” he said.

“Sabre developed special technology to enable Qantas to clearly differentiate its fares and compete on value rather than on price alone,” Belle added. “Sabre Branded Fares allow for a flexible one-way fare structure, offering features beyond the normal fare rules and it also enables agents to easily locate and book the lowest fare available within a fare family.”

“An additional benefit is that Sabre availability displays are less crowded but agents have the option to use the traditional availability displays or the new, simplified Œfare family displays, with both available right in their traditional agent desktop,” according to Belle.

Through this new solution airlines can clearly communicate attributes that differentiate their products from competitor products, while also providing insight to travel agents on the differences that exist within an individual airline’s fare products through the travel agency channel. 

 “Qantas is very pleased to be the launch partner for Sabre Branded Fares and merchandizing,” said Peter Kelly, Qantas general manager distribution strategy and planning. “Qantas has been on the leading edge of changing the way airlines sell fares. By providing clarity to travelers around the differences they can expect when purchasing Qantas fares across our different Œfare families, this ground-breaking new capability developed by Sabre allows us to more effectively communicate the Qantas value to Sabre Connected travel agents and their travelers.”

Qantas recently renewed a Full Content Distribution Agreement with Sabre globally for a further five years.

Sabre Branded Fares is part of Sabre’s Distribution Merchandising Suite, which provides agencies and airlines with an enhanced and consistent message throughout the availability and shopping processes. It is currently in limited release with Qantas, covering Australian domestic fares.

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