THE Wrap is a round-up of news in the travel and technology industries, and updates on how businesses in these sectors are resetting as they prepare for post-pandemic travel.
Cathay Pacific offers NDC content to Amadeus-connected travel agents
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific has strengthened its commitment to NDC (New Distribution Capability) by making plans to add a range of content available on the Amadeus Travel Platform to travel sellers globally.
This addition builds on Cathay Pacific existing distribution strategy with the carrier’s use of Amadeus Altéa NDC. The airline implemented this solution in July 2019 to create more tailored experiences for travellers.
Both organisations have started work on integrating Cathay Pacific’s NDC-sourced content into the Amadeus Travel Platform.
According to Amadeus, this will allow Amadeus travel agents worldwide to search, compare, book and service Cathay Pacific content via NDC in one merged display alongside other content.
The airline’s new NDC offers include seat selection, fare families and special fares. Critical tools such as ticketing exchange and refunds will also be available.
“We are pleased to reach this milestone in our journey with Amadeus,” said Martin Xu, Cathay Pacific’s general manager, sales & distribution. “We believe NDC is a major driver in the future of airline content distribution and will be key in helping us reach new customers.”
Travel sellers are expected to be able to make Cathay Pacific NDC bookings through Amadeus’ NDC-enabled solutions starting from the first quarter of 2022 in several markets.
In addition, Amadeus’ solution for corporations, Amadeus cytric Travel & Expense, will be able to process Cathay Pacific’s bookings via NDC in 2022.
The airline’s NDC-sourced content will then progressively be rolled out globally to reach all Amadeus-connected agents.
Commenting on the partnership, Javier Laforgue, executive vice president, air distribution at Amadeus, said it would help Cathay Pacific “strengthen its brand and offer more visual and tailored content for its customers, which is more important than ever amid the current market circumstances.”
Sabre reaches new distribution deal with Emirates
Sabre and Emirates have resolved the impasse over GDS services, which had led to the airline’s content not available to Sabre subscribers since July 1, with the inking of a new distribution agreement.
The deal gives Sabre-connected travel buyers and agencies access to Emirates’ content through Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) without surcharges.
The carrier introduced a surcharge of US$14 to US$25 per ticket for GDS bookings depending on sector length since July 1. The surcharge implementation was in conjunction with its launch of an NDC-powered portal for travel agencies.
Under the new agreement, which comes into immediate effect, Emirates also distributes NDC offers through Sabre GDS.
In addition, Sabre will continue to partner with Emirates on advanced retailing, data and analytics capabilities through solutions in areas such as network planning, revenue optimisation and market intelligence.
Singapore Airlines introduces wellness on board its flights
With healthy travel now a priority for everyone who flies, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has enhanced customer wellness on board its flights in partnership with California-based health and wellness retreat Golden Door.
Through this collaboration, SIA brings a new roster of health-focused meals, exercise and well-being options to passengers on board its flights between Singapore and the US.
Golden Door experts, including top chefs, nutritionists, and personal trainers, have developed a broad range of menus, exercise and stretching programmes, as well as other content designed specifically for SIA customers.
“This will help travellers enjoy improved nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and energy levels on board the world’s longest non-stop flights that can extend to nearly 19 hours,” said the Singapore carrier in a statement announcing the partnership.
Added Yeoh Phee Teik, SIA senior vice president customer experience: “Our long-standing commitment to wellness has led to us to work with Golden Door’s highly specialised expertise, and create new options for health-oriented dining, exercise and strategies for better sleep on long flights.
“Now, more than ever, our customers are focused on maximising wellness in every aspect of their lives. This partnership is instrumental in finding practical, effective ways to extend the principles and practice of well-being to air travel.”
The first menus and wellness content from the partnership will be available on flight SQ37, the direct service from Los Angeles to Singapore, in January 2022. The programme will be progressively extended to SIA’s non-stop services from San Francisco, New York and Seattle to Singapore.
The airline’s non-stop services from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco have also been designated as Vaccinated Travel Lane flights, allowing eligible customers to enjoy quarantine-free entry into Singapore.
• Featured image credit: Cathay Pacific
