In the news: Marriot’s new digital platform for APAC meeting and event planners, United Airlines first carrier for Sabre NDC booking capability, 777 Partners’ equity stake in Canada’s Flair Airlines
Hotels: Marriott unveils “one-stop shop” for APAC meeting planners
Marriott International has launched Marriot Events Asia, a dedicated meetings and events website for the Asia Pacific region, described as a and a “one-stop shop” and “comprehensive resource hub” for MICE planners.
It assists planners from planning to execution, provides the latest industry trends and event tips, as well as Marriott’s key MICE destinations and openings around the world.
The website features examples of innovative meetings and events hosted at Marriott properties. Among other offerings are trending articles, advice on the use of event/meeting technology and F&B recommendations.
Ramesh Daryanani, vice president, global sales, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China) for Marriott International, said Marriott Events Asia supports planners with the tools and resources they need for their business.
“The launch of the website is only the beginning of our strategic customer engagement plan. We are committed to improving the site’s capabilities based on customer feedback,” he added.
Technology: United Airlines is launch carrier for Sabre’s live NDC offers
(Imaged credit: United Airlines)
Sabre Corporation released its first set of New Distribution Capability (NDC) application programming interfaces (APIs) on April 2 with United Airlines, allowing its Beyond NDC agency partners to use these capabilities to make live NDC bookings.
The technology company said in a statement United is the first major airline to launch with its NDC capabilities. The NDC solutions will allow the carrier to offer new fare options and additional flight amenities for customers.
“This development is a significant step forward for the travel industry, because it advances a pan-industry vision and moves NDC closer to becoming an everyday reality for travellers, carriers, agencies, corporations and more,” it added.
Sabre disclosed it would release additional capabilities later this year including integration into its agent desktop workspace, Sabre Red 360. As part of its development plan, it is also considering the needs of multiple stakeholders in the travel ecosystem including airlines, agencies, corporations and travellers.
Dave Bartels, vice president of revenue management for United, said working with Sabre to improve the booking process “is another way we are able to enhance the experience for its customers.”
“NDC is an important component of a wide-ranging evolution in air content distribution. Testing Sabre’s NDC-enabled shopping APIs and working with United to find ways to bring incremental value to clients while maintaining or enhancing full end-to-end capabilities is fundamental to preparing for a successful future,” John Bukowski, director of distribution for American Express Global Business Travel, a partner in Sabre’s Beyond NDC initiative, commented on the collaboration with United and Sabre.
“Access to NDC content, alongside other new and existing content would allow us to expand what we offer travellers in a scalable way. Modern business travellers have specific expectations: they want access to all content and they want to know they’re getting the best personalised fares and servicing in an omnichannel environment.”
Aviation: Canada’s Flair Airlines lands investment from 777 Partners
(Image credit: Flair Airlines)
Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners has acquired a 25% equity stake in Flair Airlines, Canada’s only independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), for an undisclosed sum.
Originally founded as a charter airline in 2005, Flair transitioned into a full commercial airline operation in 2017 and recently undergone a rebranding exercise.
Flair said said it would use some of the new influx of capital to introduce four new airplanes to their fleet this year.
“The aviation sector continues to be ripe for innovation and Flair is well-equipped to provide affordable airfare for Canada’s underserved market,” said Steve Pasko, co-founder and managing partner of 777 Partners.
“Despite having a strong potential market for ULCCs, Canada lags behind the rest of the world in this space. Through this investment, we want to create a viable alternative for consumers in the region, who have faced a lack of air transportation choice until now.” .
Added Jim Scott, CEO of Flair: “The financial strength of 777 Partners ensures that Flair is in a stronger position to compete and continue on our strong trajectory for domestic growth while meeting the clear demand for ULCC airline options in Canada.”
The investment comes at an “excitement time” for the carrier he said. “Building on the almost one million passengers we have carried in the last 12 months, Flair is leveraging 777’s expertise in the aviation sector to continue scaling our operations, as evidenced by plans to introduce four new airplanes to our fleet this year.”
777 Partners is an active ‘buy-and-build’ investor that manages high-growth companies within a long-term portfolio.
• Featured image credit (The Sala Thai Ballroom at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park): Marriott International
