SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 16, 2006–Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) has extended its distribution agreement
with Sabre Travel Network for a further five years. As part of the
agreement it has upgraded its participation in the Sabre global
distribution system (GDS) to Direct Connect Availability (DCA), the
highest level of connectivity. This gives agents access to real-time
information about an airline’s last seat availability and fares.
The Pakistani carrier is implementing added-value products from
Sabre Travel Network, including e-ticketing capability for
Sabre-connected travel agents in the U.S. and Canadian markets, with
other markets to follow shortly, and the Claim It reservations product
which allows travel agencies to take ownership of, or ‘claim,’
Passenger Name Records (PNRs) created by the airline, directly from
the Sabre system.
The distribution agreement is bundled with operational and
decision-support tools from Sabre Travel Network’s sister business,
Sabre Airline Solutions.
“Sabre Holdings, as a whole, has successfully transcended the
traditional relationship between GDS operator and airline, which was
based solely on distribution,” said Tariq Kirmani, PIA’s chairman and
CEO. “While traditional GDSs remain the industry’s most effective and
profitable channel of sales and distribution, we definitely intend to
grow our business through the intelligent use of multiple distribution
channels. Sabre, with its unrivalled presence in every channel of
travel sales and distribution, remains a strong distribution partner
for us.”
“PIA’s approach to its distribution and operational technology is
innovative and forward-thinking,” said John Stow, president of Sabre
Travel Network. “It’s a significant airline and an important global
partner for the entire Sabre Holdings business. I am pleased our
breadth of business in all travel channels could provide solid proof
of a unique portfolio, and deliver PIA the distribution and
operational value that they require.”
About Sabre Travel Network
Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides access to
the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS). The Sabre GDS is
a ready-built efficient marketplace that connects suppliers, including
hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels, with more than 50,000
travel agency locations. Suppliers get access through one single
connection; travel agents get real time access to thousands of travel
products from multiple suppliers through one source integrated into
their businesses; consumers get access to a global supermarket of the
world’s greatest travel possibilities.
Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include GetThere, the leading
Web-based corporate travel reservation technology, and Jurni Network,
the unique leisure travel agency consortium in the United States that
enables members to sell more products from preferred travel suppliers
using sophisticated market intelligence.
Sabre Holdings (NYSE:TSG) connects people with the world’s
greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and
providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel
industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at
http://www.sabre-holdings.com.
CONTACT: Sabre Travel Network, Southlake
Kathryn Hayden, 682-605-2252
kathryn.hayden@sabre-holdings.com
SOURCE: Sabre Travel Network