Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Implement AbacusGroup and Claim-It For Bookings

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir have signed a deal with ABACUS International to implement two automated booking solutions - AbacusGroup and Claim It - starting this month with Singapore as their first market.

The deal is a major win for ABACUS International as Singapore Airlines is the biggest customer for the Global Distribution Service’s group booking tools to date.

AbacusGroup allows airlines to automate their group handling procedures and also provides them full control over all group booking activities. AbacusGroup eliminates the need for servicing tasks by Airline Reservations Offices (AROs). This equates to a reduction of distribution costs and manual servicing tasks thus heightening both efficiency and competitive pricing options for the airlines. ABACUS subscribers on the other hand would benefit from this solution in terms of giving them the necessary tools to increase their group business.

Claim-It enables ABACUS subscribers to display and manage their customers’ Passenger Name Records (PNRs) directly off an airline’s reservation system. All point of sale information goes directly to the airline  when a travel agent makes a claim. This system gives travel agents ownership and the ability to book active bookings, allowing airlines to control distribution costs and dispense with the task of dispensing PNRs to travel agents.

“Reducing costs without compromising efficiency is what our customers require and ABACUS has always kept that in mind when developing any  new solution. We are confident that this launch with Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will be successful,” said Mr Rogelio Sarreal, Vice President and Head of Associate Sales.

"The AbacusGroup solution will provide Singapore Airlines and its travel agent partners an excellent means to improve handling of group bookings.  Travel agents will have better control of their groups for ticketing and for servicing, while it will help Singapore Airlines reduce handling costs." Said Mr Jerry Seah, Senior Manager Sales and Marketing, Singapore Airlines.

“The use of this solution for group bookings will enhance coordination and communication between SilkAir and its travel agents. Definitely a plus for both in terms of improved efficiency and control.” said Mr Goh Boon Hwee, Sales Manager, SilkAir.