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
