THAI Smile to sync with parent’s GDS

THAI Smile is on course to adopt a new booking system in common with parent Thai Airways International (THAI) in June.

The airline’s move from the present Navitaire system to the Altea suite, set for June 1, is expected to boost booking revenue by as much as 30% from the current level, THAI Smile’s acting chief executive, Woranate Laprabang, told the Bangkok Post.

The switch, costing 80 million baht, will let THAI Smile de-bottleneck the reservation system and synchronise it with the flag carrier’s GDS (global distribution system).

The plan also offers an opportunity for THAI Smile to sell tickets through scores of THAI code-share partners and integrate with Star Alliance, of which THAI is a founding member.

Under the new system, THAI Smile can connect seamlessly with the global market, Capt Woranate said.

Furthermore, the regionally focused airline can capture more international business, especially from THAI’s core market of Europe, he said.

Both the Altea and Navitaire systems are products of Spain-based Amadeus, a provider of GDS technology.

Altea has been used by larger network carriers like THAI, while Navitaire’s software is a low-cost hosting platform popular with budget and hybrid carriers.

Adoption of the reservation system forms a key part of THAI Smile’s growth strategy and transformation from a budget airline to a regional player.

This year will see THAI Smile boost its international footprint with flights within a four-and-a-half-hour radius of Bangkok.