Amadeus unveils retailing platform

MADRID – Amadeus presented yesterday the Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform. The new platform will transform the company's global distribution system from a purely distribution channel to a retailing platform through which airlines can also access and leverage functionality to clearly differentiate their brand as in their direct distribution channels.

Developed in collaboration with major carriers across the globe, the Amadeus Airline Retailing Platform is designed to offer the best of the GDS world and the best of the online channel. That is, all the traditional strengths of GDS – global reach and higher value sales - combined with all the efficiency, target marketing and brand differentiation opportunities offered by the airlines' online sales channels.

The new platform, which will be rolled out in phases over the next two years, brings significant enhancements in three key areas – a range of airline merchandising features to the travel agent's desktop; new functionality to ensure airline products are sold in compliance with their distinct commercial policies and to guarantee revenue integrity; and a management graphical user interface, through which airlines can manage their distribution set-up through all the Amadeus points of sale.

The Airline Retailing Platform will also deliver significant benefits for travel agencies worldwide.

Bill Brindle, director, Business Technology and Distribution, Hogg Robinson, said: "The core priority for us is to ensure that our travel consultants have the know-how, the tools and range of travel products to help deliver a good service to clients. The new functionality, integrated with Hogg Robinson Group's new point-of-sale business architecture, offers them the added ability to easily compare products and highlight additional services and alternatives to the traveller, using standardised processes."