SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 13, 2005–Sabre Holdings
(NYSE:TSG) today announced the signing of a new five-year agreement
with leading low-cost carrier AirTran Airways through which the
airline commits to make all its fares and inventory available through
the Sabre Travel Network global distribution system (GDS) and
Travelocity.
In addition, Travelocity Partner Network (TPN), Travelocity’s
private label booking business, will become the sole supplier of
hotel, cruise and AirTran Vacations packaging content for the AirTran
Web site.
“This new long-term agreement is significant to AirTran Airways in
the sense that, as our airline evolves, the channels of distribution
must also evolve,” said Kevin Healy, vice president of planning for
AirTran Airways. “Distributing through multiple Sabre Holdings
channels lets us conveniently serve our customers — both business and
leisure flyers — and maintain our low-cost structure. AirTran Airways
and Sabre Holdings are committed to creating distribution efficiencies
through both current and emerging technologies.”
The Sabre GDS provides an electronic marketplace that enables
airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines and other travel
suppliers to sell their products to corporate and leisure travelers
through 50,000 global travel agency locations, the world’s largest
agency network. Travelocity, the fastest growing online travel agency,
is committed to a customer-driven focus. Great prices, live 24/7 phone
support and powerful shopping technology have made Travelocity the
fifth largest travel agency in the U.S.
“We’re confident that making AirTran’s fares available through
multiple assets of the Sabre Holdings distribution portfolio will
enable the airline to realize exceptional returns,” said Hugh Jones,
chief operating officer of Sabre Travel Network. “This agreement will
expand their ability to take advantage of the Sabre GDS to deliver
high yield and incremental sales, and of Travelocity to deliver
outstanding consumer retailing opportunities. AirTran’s increased
commitment to Sabre reconfirms the value of Sabre’s efficient
marketplace, providing outstanding value for airlines, travel agencies
and travelers.”
AirTran’s participation in the Travelocity Partner Network builds
upon TPN’s rich technology platform and deep experience in
distributing suppliers’ travel content and providing industry leading
deals through online channels. In addition to AirTran, TPN partners
include American Express, AOL, Yahoo! and other airlines.
“This deal delivers value on many fronts to Sabre Holdings. Across
the portfolio, we are excited about the opportunity to have a full
content deal over a long period of time with a leading low cost
carrier, as well as expanding the TPN private label booking business,”
said Jones.
About AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways, one of America’s largest low-fare airlines with
6,700 friendly, professional Crew Members, operates over 500 daily
flights to 49 destinations. The airline’s primary hub is at
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it is the
second largest carrier. AirTran Airways recently added the
fuel-efficient Boeing 737-700 aircraft to create America’s youngest
all-Boeing fleet and recently celebrated the delivery of its 100th
aircraft. The airline is also the first carrier to install XM
Satellite Radio on a commercial aircraft. For reservations or more
information, visit airtran.com.
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 that enables members to
sell more products from preferred travel suppliers using sophisticated
market intelligence.
About Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion —
before, during and after the trip and works hand-in-hand with the
world’s most reputable travel providers so that everything about a
customer’s booking will be right. And if it’s not, Travelocity
guarantees that it will work with its partners to make it right, right
away. This customer-driven focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support,
great prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the
fifth largest travel agency in the U.S. — booking $4.9 billion in
travel in 2004. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and
operates Travelocity Business, Travelocity Europe and lastminute.com,
making it a leader in online travel in Europe. Travelocity is owned by
Sabre Holdings Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel
commerce.
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.
Sabre Travel Network, Travelocity, Travelocity Business,
Travelocity Partner Network, Sabre GDS, Sabre Connected, GetThere and
Jurni Network are trademarks and/or service marks of an affiliate of
Sabre Holdings Corporation. All other trademarks, service marks, and
trade names are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: AirTran Airways
Tad Hutcheson, 678-254-7442
tad.hutcheson@airtran.com
or
Judy Graham-Weaver, 678-254-7448
judy.graham-weaver@airtran.com
or
Sabre Holdings
Nanci Williams, 682-605-2271
nanci.williams@sabre.com
SOURCE: Sabre Holdings