Express Tickets to the future

EXPRESS Travel Group (ETG) has unveiled its newly branded Express Tickets platform, implementing the group’s previously announced trans-Tasman partnership with Australian travel technology firm Aeronology (TD 10 Dec 2020).

The new system sees ETG’s offering adapt to the changing market, according to CEO Tom Manwaring, providing industryfirst systems to its members.

“We have taken the COVID period to implement best-in-class ticket and product solutions for our member agents and advisors,” Manwaring said.

The new online ticketing system offers a user-friendly point-andclick interface enabling travel advisors to confidently shop and book ticketing, complete reissues, refunds and validation functions all within a single platform - rather than having to swap from GDS into a ticketing environment.

Aeronology’s cloud-based technology includes full NDC capability and API integration backed by AI and industry-focused algorithms to make life easier for agents, ETG said.

Ancillaries can be added in the same booking process, and where offered, NDC deals are displayed alongside traditional airfares.

“It’s becoming clear NDC access and flexibility will win the day, and Express Tickets is wellpositioned to take full advantage,” Manwaring said.

The home-based agents who joined ETG as part of the exit of Travel Counsellors from the local market (TD 11 Dec 2020) are the first registered users of the new platform, with access to the new system rolling out to the rest of the group’s members on an opt-in basis over the coming months.

See etg.travel/express-tickets.