EMQUEST, the travel distribution division of Emirates Airline, has signed an agreement with Akbar Gulf Travels, one of the largest travel management companies in the region and India, which will see the conglomerate adopt the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) throughout its network of agencies within the UAE.
And EmQuest, whose core business is providing electronic global and regional distribution services for the travel industry, recently enhanced its product offerings using Sabre, Videcom and various other partners.
For example, Sabre’s TSDS (traveller security and data suite) which can generate several different reports ranging from airline market share to carbon emissions reports which was very useful during the recent volcanic ash disruption to help manage customers overseas and automatically rebook their itinerary.
“We have also enhanced the Sabre desktop system that supports multi-source and enables the travel agent and EmQuest to integrate connectivity to content that GDSs traditionally do not offer,” says Naz Nizari, senior vice president, EmQuest.
Other new products and enhancements include:
• Rail travel in India: EmQuest has introduced an online interface allowing travel agents access to real-time seat availability and the ability to book, manage and confirm tickets from their offices.
• Sabre Virtually There: Agents can send clients their itineraries, co-branded with their agency logo, contact information and marketing message, without using regular mail. On-the-go clients can access their information anytime, anywhere using any web-enabled mobile device.
• NetCheck: Is a low-cost carrier booking tool which helps search both Sabre Travel Network and the web using a single command. Low-cost airlines such as Air Arabia and jetBlue have now been added to the distribution systems.
• Graphical Workflow Solution: MySabre has been upgraded with a new platform, focusing on delivering a greater experience through optimised technology. Improved interaction between multiple applications and web pages enables movement between MySabre sessions and web pages without having to spend time refreshing content.
• GetThere: A leading online travel procurement solution offering highly customisable technology, extensive global services and proven customer success.
“Travel has become a collaborative process and you develop a holiday plan. That kind of planning is going to become more popular and at EmQuest we need to provide the right tools to make this planning process easier for agents and consumers. From social networking sites to user-generated content, it’s very much a push technology, there is a long way to go,” said Nizari.