AMADEUS has further expanded its reach in the Middle East with the launch of its local operations in Yemen.
Amadeus Yemen is a joint partnership with Yemen Airways, the national carrier which accounts for 55 per cent of reservations made by travel agencies in Yemen. The new company, which commenced operations in the beginning of this year, reinforces Amadeus’ reach and market strength as the preferred technology partner to travel agents and airlines in Yemen.
Abdulfatah Altwaity was recently appointed as general manager of Amadeus Yemen. He said, “Amadeus Yemen will be investing heavily in the market in the coming years with the objective of enhancing the services that travel agents receive today by competing GDS.”
“We have a sound organisation covering all the service areas that will serve Amadeus as a platform to deliver best in class on site support to travel agents. The technology backbone of Amadeus is by far the best in the industry and hence agencies opting for Amadeus would have a better advantage through technology to become more competitive, efficient and productive in the market.”
He believed that having the national carrier as a partner will benefit the travel agencies by allowing them to access preferred airline content and latest functionalities available. “Yemen Airways accounts for 55 per cent of reservations made by travel agencies in Yemen. We have a sound business plan with the best of both sides: airline partnership and technology backbone” said Altwaity.
Fernando Cuesta, executive director, Amadeus MEA said, “Amadeus has been growing in the region for the last 10 years and our plans are to extend our support to customers in 100 per cent of these markets very soon.”
“In the Middle East we are present in more than 4,700 travel agent locations. This allows travel agents to leverage and benefit from our extensive, cost effective and customised travel content. We consider the launch of Amadeus Yemen a real milestone in Amadeus’ expansion plan to further support the region’s travel agent community,” he said.