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
