Sabre Travel Network is implementing a new feature integrated into the standard travel agency desktop of its global distribution system (GDS) which will allow airlines to leverage special fares and fare packages…
Sabre Travel Network is implementing a new feature integrated into the standard travel agency desktop of its global distribution system (GDS) which will allow airlines to leverage special fares and fare packages in a more powerful way, delivering advanced capabilities to Sabre-Connected travel agents as the comapny stated.
Sabre has incorporated Sabre Branded Fares into its GDS for launch partner, Qantas Airways. This will enable the airline to package and brand a variety of fares featuring different attributes. This new way to display its fares in all channels allows Qantas to capitalise on its marketing efforts while simplifying their fare structure.
“Airlines in Australia and New Zealand have led the move to using a select number of branded ‘fare families’ that have simple, but clearly differentiated rules. This has also enabled carriers to assign attributes to the various fare families to differentiate themselves in this highly competitive market place,” according to Hans Belle, vice president of marketing for Sabre Travel Network. “This innovative feature significantly enhances an airline’s product branding and consistency across channels to the benefit of travel agencies and the end consumer.”
Belle added that there are multiple price points with common rules within each ‘fare family’ that are individually inventory controlled on each flight according to demand. “However, now an agent only has to look for the lowest available fare within the chosen ‘fare family’ – an approach now employed by numerous airlines around the world,” he said.
“Sabre developed special technology to enable Qantas to clearly differentiate its fares and compete on value rather than on price alone,” Belle said. “Sabre Branded Fares allow for a flexible one-way fare structure, offering features beyond the normal fare rules and it also enables agents to easily locate and book the lowest fare available within a fare family.”
“An additional benefit is that Sabre availability displays are less crowded but agents have the option to use the traditional availability displays or the new, simplified ‘fare family’ displays, with both available right in their traditional agent desktop,” according to Belle.
“Qantas is very pleased to be the launch partner for Sabre Branded Fares and merchandising,” said Peter Kelly, Qantas general manager of distribution strategy and planning. “Qantas has been on the leading edge of changing the way airlines sell fares. By providing clarity to travellers around the differences they can expect when purchasing Qantas fares across our different ‘fare families,’ this ground-breaking new capability developed by Sabre allows us to more effectively communicate the Qantas value to Sabre Connected travel agents and their travellers.”
“We plan to enhance these capabilities further now that we have Sabre Branded Fares, as it is a more effective sales delivery tool,” Kelly said. “Sabre is to be commended for being innovative and keeping abreast of evolution in the increasingly competitive global aviation market place.”
Kelly said the initiative was one of many the airline plans to implement in association with Sabre that will assist agents in their day-to-day selling operations and reduce the potential for error. Qantas recently renewed a Full Content Distribution Agreement with Sabre globally for a further five years.
“We expect other airlines to see the marketing advantages of Sabre Branded Fares, too and have been working with additional airlines around the world to help them adopt these tools and promote the differentiation of their products and services,” Belle said.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
