AMADEUS ANCILLARY PLATFORM INCORPORATES NDC

AMADEUS has partnered with United Airlines to roll out a new ancillary services platform using NDC connectivity. Marking the first NDC-XML solution in the North American travel agency channel, the Ancillary Service Solution will see United Airlines merchandise its portfolio of products and services to customers. Amadeus subscribers in the US can now book United’s ancillary services at the initial booking phase, or after a ticket has been issued. The solution, which seamlessly integrates into the agent’s booking flow, is set to raise the standards of distribution and “unlock value” for airlines and passengers. “We have high expectations that by combining technology and merchandising capabilities, the Amadeus solution will play a leadership role in the evolution of airline distribution,” IATA senior vice president financial and distribution services Aleks Popovich said. Meanwhile, Amadeus has entered a new partnership with Fiji Airways to increase access to the carrier’s fares. Under the deal, Amadeus agents will be able to search and book the full range of Fiji Airways fares across all its sales channels. Fiji Airways managing director Stefan Pichler welcomed the deal as a boon for tourism that would put Fiji on the map. “We have to make sure that our growing network and fares are available everywhere around the globe for sale… and we’re confident this deal… will boost our worldwide sales,” he said. Amadeus currently holds almost 40% global market share of travel agency air bookings, and over 85% of Amadeus’ global bookings are made on airlines.