AirAsia and Amadeus Extend Partnership with New Booking Solution

AirAsia in the Philippines has implemented a new travel booking tool. Amadeus LCC Smart allows travel agencies to book AirAsia content using a web-like interface in the Amadeus global distribution system (GDS).

The launch of Amadeus LCC Smart follows the commencement of Philippines’ AirAsia’s domestic services earlier this year and addresses the increasing demands of travel agencies who prefer to use a simple, graphic user interface (GUI), instead of the traditional ‘green screen’ booking platform.

The solution has been designed to reduce the complexity of the booking process by simplifying the number of key strokes required to finalise a booking, saving the travel agent time and improving productivity.

Amadeus LCC Smart was developed to add value to Amadeus Ticketless Access, a solution that displays real-time fares and flight information from the Low Cost Carriers (LCC) available through the Amadeus GDS.

Marianne Hontiveros, CEO of AirAsia Inc., said, “AirAsia and Amadeus have enjoyed a great working relationship since 2009, with Amadeus delivering advanced technology solutions that continually meet the needs of our customers in the region. This partnership also provides easy access not only to Philippines’ AirAsia destinations but to AirAsia’s extensive network that spans more than 20 countries and 75 red hot destinations across Asia and Australia.”

Travel agencies can also be able to book AirAsia flights and ancillary services such as baggage, meals, seats and comfort kits in one go, reducing the time spent on click through. They can add, remove or modify ancillary services, seats or add additional passenger information after pricing just as easily.

David Brett, President, Amadeus Asia Pacific said, “Amadeus LCC Smart optimises workflow for travel agents with the familiar AirAsia website interface, but without the need to learn different commands or leave the Amadeus Selling Platform. Amadeus is very proud to be pioneering the new solution with AirAsia in Asia Pacific. Our new solution will help support the airline’s growth and rapid expansion throughout Asia and globally. It will enable travel agents to find flight options to suit a broader range of needs, especially for travellers who are particularly budget-conscious.”

Amadeus LCC Smart will be available free of charge to travel agencies using the Amadeus Selling Platform distribution system in the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and with more markets in Asia Pacific in 2012.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Interviews, Pictures, Sports Tourism, Videos, Amadeus, AirAsia, Philippines