Interface Issue 3 - December 2012 correction by MP.indd

Transcription

interface
for Amadeus users in the Indian subcontinent
Technology that
Touches Lives
GLOBAL NEWS
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Contents
Issue 1, January 2013
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INDUSTRY SPEAK
Outlook 2013 - Expect a mixed bag on
the Tourism Front
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New supporting documents solution-Agent/Audit Coupon
layout update
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Baggage allowance and fees on ITR
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Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless flow
already in production
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Enhancement to e-Ticket coupon (TTR) Printing
What the press has to say
EVENTS
Amadeus honoured with ‘Superbrand 2011-12’
Experience Rajpath Tour
Amadeus Product Roadshow 2012 organised in
North India
‘Like’ us at Amadeus South Asia
Running for Charity: Uniting for A Cause
Bird Group sponsors CAPA India Aviation Summit 2012
Training session organized in Chittagong and Sylhet
Spotted: Karan Johar@Bally store in Emporio
BWFS celebrates 4th year completion success party
Amadeus and Finnair introduce EMD functionality in India
Bird Hospitality Services launches ‘Club Fledge’ for kids
Bally unveils Autumn / Winter collection 2012
Another feather in the cap
Bird Segway participates at Max Bupa Walkathon
Bollywood Stars at iSkate
PRODUCT+
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ALaunch of EMD Functionality in India
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Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile companion
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Amadeus Sell connect
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Hotel Plus Multisource
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Amadeus Ticket Changer now available for more airlines
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Evolution in the fare calculation amendment
Published by:
Marketing & Corporate Communications
E-9, Connaught House, Connaught Place
New Delhi - 110 001
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Amadeus e-Support Centre for Travel agents
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Amadeus Skilling Training Enviroment
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Amadeus Automated Ticketing Limits
27 PROVIDERS
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Lao Central Airlines enjoys Interactive Advanced seat
reservation and Interactive seat map
Air Onix enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat Reservation and
Interactive Seat Map
JSC BEK AIR enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Amadeus launches EMD Functionality with Finnair
Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic Availability
Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Rotana Jet enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Joint Promotions
GLOBAL NEWS
• Amadeus launches mobile booking app & new UI for
corporate travel
• Amadeus launches industry first solution making flight search
• BA becomes the first airline to sign Amadeus’ new
revenue accounting solution
• Amadeus extends agreement with FCm Travel Solutions
Marketing & Corporate Communications
Graphics & Design: Sibendra Kumar Sahoo
For Private Circulation only
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Tidings
from Managing Director’s desk
2013 : The Next Generation of Travel
The Indian online
market will
grow steadily
through 2013
as more Indian
consumers enter
the travel market
and existing
Indian travelers
continue to
migrate from
offline to online
channels.
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2012 has been a big year. The end-of-year
means different things to different people.
For some it is the start of the holiday season.
For others it is no different to any other time
of the year. However, for all of us it means
another calendar year has passed; another
milestone in our journey has been reached.
As always, I am proud to be associated with
this dynamic industry and Amadeus strives to
continue playing a key role in furthering the
industry’s interests.
One of the consistent themes running
through travel trends outlook for 2013 is
the increased level of consumer-influenced
technology available to the traveler. For
travelers, 2013 will be about developing
instant, relevant and bookable services. Access
to multi-channel booking, whether it is through
web, smartphone, tablet or other channels,
will bring the traveler back to the heart of
managed travel.
Five years ago, during the first wave of
smartphones, the travel industry could not
have anticipated the kind of effect posting,
liking, picture-taking, video-ing, re-pinning
and sharing, would have on how consumers
experience their journeys. Today, one need
not fret on where to buy the best postcard –
tweeting a picture or simply sharing one on
Instagram drives the “Wish You Were Here!”
message more effectively.
The Indian online market will grow steadily
through 2013 as more Indian consumers enter
the travel market and existing Indian travelers
continue to migrate from offline to online
channels. An extensive and highly competitive
network of airlines (including LCCs) and an
expansive railway (the state-owned Indian
Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation or
IRCTC) are key drivers of online bookings.
One of the key factors driving travel demand
in Asia is the rise of large, relatively well-off
middle classes in the region. Asia-Pacific is
set to continue to lead as the world’s fastest
growing travel region in 2013, reaching
US$357 billion, a 64 percent increase over
2009, according to a study released by industry
research authority, PhoCusWright.
In September, the government had allowed
foreign carriers to invest up to 49 per cent in
Indian airlines. With FDI coming in, there could
be a steep rise in capacity of more airlines and
carriers. However, this will only happen with
rapid upgradation of airport infrastructure.
Also, regional aviation needs to be promoted
aggressively.
Other travel trends in 2013 include:
Ancillary fees on top of fares and rates being
watched closely by travel managers in all
areas of the program (air, hotel and ground
transportation) and leveraged in negotiations.
Companies will now increasingly focus on
expense management to improve data
consolidation and the user experience.
Low-cost carriers will gain more ground in
the travel program as new entrants open up
opportunities, especially in Asia-Pacific and
Latin America. Lastly, joint agreements are
in the air, with airline alliances examining
ways to extend membership to low-cost and
“hybrid” carriers.
The New Year will bring its own mix of
successes and challenges, but our direction is
clear and we know what we must do.
I wish each one of you and your families a
very Happy New Year 2013 and hope that this
year is a brighter and better one for all of us.
Ankur Bhatia
Managing Director
Amadeus Indian subcontinent
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Industry Speak
Aviation news
Outlook 2013 - Expect a Mixed Bag on the Tourism Front
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INDUSTRY SPEAK
Outlook 2013 - Expect a
Mixed Bag on the Tourism Front
The New Year
will continue to
be perplexed by
the core issues
of high costs,
both for the
passengers and
the airlines,
and while on
the one hand
more airlines
are wishing to
come in.
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As we enter the New Year, 2013, many in
the tourism industry would be wishing to greet
each other with a ‘Happy New Year’ and there
are indications that while some may be right,
others will only wish that it were true.
Yes, the tourism industry continues to be
in a turbulent, uncertain mood, with perhaps
an equal number of optimists and pessimists,
seeing the proverbial glass half full or half
empty. Also, it depends on what part of the
elephant one is touching—the tail or the
trunk and which section of the industry you
belong to.
But, clearly, one thing is clear—there is
need for abundant caution and concern, be
it on the crucial cost factors or infrastructure
issues, not to mention the always in news
aviation sector.
2012 saw many hiccups and pitfalls on the
tourism and aviation front, no doubt led by Air
India and Kingfisher but many industry leaders
feel that at least some of the steps taken in
recent months would have a positive impact
in 2013. For example, a keen observer and
player, Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird
Group, and Chairman of CII’s core committee
on growth potential of civil aviation and
airports, feels that “2013 looks bright as growth
is projected with the increase expected in
passenger demand and traffic. There could be
a steep rise in capacity if the FDI that is now
allowed in airlines comes and more carriers
come in. But he is quick to add that this will
only happen if the infrastructure improves. FDI
will flow in only if this is done.
The New Year will continue to be perplexed
by the core issues of high costs, both for the
passengers and the airlines, and while on the
one hand more airlines are wishing to come
in, some others are walking out because of
cost-related factors. Clearly, the fall in domestic
air traffic is not helping matters, even as many
airports have been modernized.”
Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC group
and President, Indian Association of Tour
Operators, says “I am confident 2013 augurs
well for Indian tourism.” Elaborating, he
explains that reforms in retail, insurance and
aviation are giving positive indications for the
business scene and helping in sustaining the
growth momentum of the economy. This will
boost the image of India and in turn bring
more tourists, goes the argument. He notes
that airports have been modernized and Air
India is being revamped. He expects more
flights to come in 2013 from Brazil, Canada
and South Africa, among others. Occupancies in
hotels will improve in the first quarter of 2013,
he says, quoting other stakeholders. There is
consumer confidence and the over 20 road
shows organized by IATO and the proactive
role of the Ministry of Tourism in the trafficgenerating markets will see impact in 2013.
Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar
Hotels, which has seen a rapid expansion in
recent years, says that “We expect 2013 to be
a year when REVPAR - revenue per available
room - of hotels will improve. Mid-market
hotels will do well, he predicts, adding that
as far as his Sarovar Hotels are concerned,
an eight to 10 per cent growth is expected in
towline hotels.
He notes that the tourism companies have
been taking a proactive role and expects the
online ticket booking and offering of tourism
packages to continue in the New Year. Tourism
packages and services should be so enlarged
that tourism is not localized to few segments.
Rajeev Kohli, joint Managing Director,
Creative Travels, and an IATO office bearer,
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INDUSTRY SPEAK
perhaps representing the younger generation
of stakeholders, says that “Inbound season is a
bit fickle. Some markets are doing well whereas
others are not. I do not think we have a lot to
celebrate about as yet. The European recession
is getting worse and if the situation in our key
source markets does not improve soon, we
will get even more impacted. I do not think
this season will be much better than the last.”
Interestingly, the articulate Kohli notes that
there are no real market trends for 2013. ‘All
markets are behaving differently and even our
core markets are turning out to be erratic.’
He feels that India should develop quality
segment for our short haul source markets.
At present, we generally get low paying
tourists from Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia,
among other nations. In 2013 and beyond,
India should focus on providing experience
and activities, rather than speak only of the
clichéd sales pitch of culture.
Giving another interesting angle to the
outlook issue, Kohli predicts that when the
situation in the West improves, tourists will
come back, as the best way to celebrate is
travel.
Lajpat Rai, President, Lotus Travels, is
pointed in his comments, saying that ‘2013
looks great’, and notes that coming down of
package costs will help matters. He, however,
wants more flights in the Buddhist sector,
especially to Gaya.
Rajendera Kumar, Director, The Ambassador
Hotel New Delhi, a past president of FHRAI,
notes that the trend of domestic and
international tourists wanting value for money
will continue in 2013 and the hospitality
industry should be geared for this.
Giving some practical advice from
experience, Rajendera Kumar says that the
hotels should give more attention to upkeep
and maintenance of the properties. He feels
that mid scale hotels like Fortune, will continue
to do well. He sees a greater trend towards
branding in 2013, as he feels that more and
more clients prefer hotels which are aligned
with a brand.
Rajeev Verma, Director, Lawrence Travels,
perhaps echoing the feeling of hundred of
other agents, feels that 2013 will see greater
focus on Service Tax matters, which, he says,
is harming the industry in many ways.
Another interesting point Verma, who is big
in train and domestic tourism and was once a
hotelier, makes is that in 2013 more agents will
have to invest in net if they have to survive.
If Indian agents can sell directly to the
foreign clients, it will help greatly. He would
also like the tourism insurance issue - so
important abroad - to be taken up seriously.
Verma has a word of caution for 2013, “in
Delhi, as the inventory rises, when the Aerocity
hotels come up, the package rates and hotel
tariffs will see a major change.”
So, all in all, we do see mixed responses/
views from the industry stalwarts towards the
year 2013. There are seen to be both positive
as well as negative trends in the market. With
all the hopes for a positive year ahead, we can
only wait and watch how actually the new
year shapes up.
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At present, we
generally get low
paying tourists
from Thailand,
Taiwan and
Malaysia, among
other nations.
In 2013 and
beyond, India
should focus
on providing
experience and
activities, rather
than speak only
of the clichéd
sales pitch of
culture.
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INDUSTRY SPEAK
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Events
Across Amadeus Indian subcontinent
Amadeus Product Roadshow 2012 organised in North India
Training session organized in Chittagong and Sylhet
Bally unveils Autumn / Winter collection 2012
Bollywood Stars at iSkate
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EVENTS
Amadeus has been awarded the distinction
of a Superbrand for the fourth consecutive
time. Superbrands is a global organisation
dedicated to recognise, showcase and pay
tribute to the best brands in each country.
To mark the launch of the 4th edition of
Superbrands 2012, the committee organised
an event over cocktails and dinners, on 06th
December 2012, at The Grand, Vasant Kunj.
Ankur Bhatia received this award from Chief
guest, Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for
Corporate Affairs.
Amadeus forms a very exclusive group
of winners selected by an independent
Superbrands Council comprising of India’s
most eminent professionals from the corporate
sector.
A big congratulations to Team Amadeus for
contributing towards this achievement.
Incredible India. On Incredible new wheels.
Whether you’re new to New Delhi or can
already recite every word to “Incredible India”,
this tour has something for you!
Segway Tour, a unit of Bird Hospitality
Services, brings the world-famous tours to the
nation’s Capital City – New Delhi. Tour begins
with a personalized Segway safety orientation
and training session. Segway Tour offers you
the complete experience: a great orientation,
heaps of fascinating stories, fantastic photoops, superb personal service from your guide,
an opportunity to ride the coolest machine in
the world, and more!
A group of Tour Supervisor and Marshals
receive the tourists at the parking lot opposite
to South Block; instructing them with 10-15
minutes of training on various functions of
Segway Personal Transporter (PT).Each tourist
is provided with a helmet (compulsory) and
additional safety gears like elbow and knee
pads guaranteeing an optimal tour experience.
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Post this training; the group will be led by
Tour Supervisors. 2 Marshals will start gliding
towards the Secretariat. From here onwards,
the group proceeds towards the Parliament
building by taking a left turn on Vijay Chowk.
The group will then proceed towards India Gate
on Vijay Chowk, enjoying the serene beauty of
various ministry buildings en-route, crossing
various intersections and and stopover for
photo-ops with India Gate and Amar Jawan
Jyoti in the backdrop. The group proceeds
backwards on Rajpath towards Vijay Chowk
and take a left turn to reach the parking lot,
where the tour had originally begun. Tour ends
here with a memorable Segway experience.
Guests can shop for beautiful souvenirs from
the retail outlet at the start/end point.
To purchase tour tickets call at +91- 124
4610666 / 0124 3322052 / 85275 94149
For more information write to segwaytour@
bird.in or visit online www.segwaytour.in
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Amadeus Product Roadshows 2012 organised in North India
After a successful series of Product
Roadshows in the South, East and West Zones
over a period of last few months, Amadeus
India kick-started in the North Zone beginning
with Chandigarh and Jalandhar. Products team
showcased its range of new products and
solutions, at Hometel Chandigarh and Hotel
M1, Jalandhar.
After a kick start in Chandigarh, our
team geared up for its show in Jaipur
and Jalandhar on 24th and 31st August
2012, supported by respective station
representatives. The fourth Product Road
Show for the Northern region ended with
an overwhelming response in Lucknow on
29th September 2012. The event began with
presentations followed by a Q&A session.
The guest list comprised of Amadeus clients
in respective regions. The focus was on
showcasing the latest technology solutions
and products offered by Amadeus to their
customers. Travel agents across all these
cities found the event to be very useful and
went back well-versed with the new products
that were showcased.
We’ve Moved On To a Better Place!
Over the last couple of months our
Facebook page has undergone some dramatic
changes. And we are really excited to reveal
our new identity – so it’s out with old and
in with new!
During the next few days and weeks you
will start to see our new Amadeus South
Asia Facebook page filtering through all our
communications and social networks. We’re
planning to do lots more to the new page
but in the mean time we would love to hear
what you think – so like us, check out latest
promotions, updates and contests!
Welcome to Amadeus South Asia
Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/
AmadeusSouthAsia
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EVENTS
World over, in addition to being an
expression of joy, marathons have also become
a platform to raise awareness about various social
causes. Individuals and corporate houses run
the roads with enthusiastic fervour, to express
solidarity towards a cause close to their hearts.
The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) 2012
is one such event where every year individuals,
organizations and institutions have come forward
and pledged their participation to a cause or
charity of their choice. Bird Group has effectively
utilized the ADHM platform to espouse a ‘cause’
associated with the NGO Sukarya.
Various creative collaterals in the form of
banners, posters, lollipops etc. were designed
around it to generate maximum awareness.
Along with the Executive Director, Bird Group,
Ankur Bhatia 160 participants representing the
group, sporting Bird Group branded T-shirts and
caps ran for the corporate challenge. There was
also a huge gung-ho about Gul Panag, Rahul
Bose and Bipasha Basu, the celebrity attractions
for the day, who came to cheer the participants.
The Great Delhi Run started from Bhishmah
Pitamah Marg at 8:30 am and challengers ran
in support of the cause close to their hearts.
In order to reconnect world industry
leaders with investment opportunities in the
Indian aviation industry, the CAPA (Centre
for Asia Pacific Aviation) India Aviation
Summit 2012 was organised at The Taj
Mahal Palace in Mumbai on October 30
and 31. Bird Group was one of the sponsors
for this event which provided opportunity
for aviation businesses from around the
world to position themselves in front of
key decision makers. The two-day summit
was attended by over 200 aviation experts
from across the world, and was inaugurated
by Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, CAPA.
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Training session organized in
Chittagong and Sylhet
A week-long training session of Amadeus basic and ticketing
was organized for TRIP GO TRIP.COM. The training was facilitated
locally by Kalyan Raman from Coimbatore. A total 20 participants
took part in this training session. The participants rated this session
as an eye-opener thereby helping them to serve clients better.
The world’s most fashionable all-night party was back for
the fourth time. From Manhattan to Moscow and everywhere in
between, Vogue’s Fashion Night Out is the one event that brings
together designers, stars, celebrities and, ofcourse, shoppers. In
its 4th installment Vogue’s Fashion Night Out took place at DLF
Emporio, Delhi. Bollywood newcomer Alia Bhatt attended the
event with Karan Johar. Amongst the attendees were designers
Manish Malhotra, Anand Bhushan, Arjun Saluja, Anupama Dayal
and catwalk favourite Indrani Dasgupta.At the Vogue Fashion
Night Out, Karan Johar was spotted receiving a Bally hamper
from Fashion Features Director,Vogue,Bandana Tewari.
Bird Worldwide Flight Services India Private
Limited (BWFS) has very successfully completed
its 4th year operations in Delhi as the leading
private ground handling service provider.
Since its inception, BWFS has experienced fast
growth, worked across different domains and
established its presence at Delhi and Cochin
airports respectively. On this occasion, the
company had organized a fun-filled evening
at BluO, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi to award
its committed team who has aligned their
thoughts with the company. The guest list
included various members from Delhi Airport,
Customer Airlines, DGCS, BCAS,CISF, AAI, ATC,
Customs, Immigration, vendors and wellwishers from the aviation industry. Guests
competed to rack up the most points in their
bowling games, snacked on starters, and later
enjoyed a multicuisine meal dished out.
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EVENTS
Amadeus has become the first Global
Distribution System provider to launch
Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD)
functionality with Finnair in India. To mark
the partnership a special evening was hosted
for the travel fraternity on the 23rd November
2012 at iSKATE. A special presentation on the
topic was given by the Products team followed
by a Q & A session.
EMD allows Finnair to increase its reach and
deliver greater choices by offering seamless
selling of ancillary services to travel agencies
in India. EMD is an electronic record used to
capture data about a sale and track its usage.
The functionality is issued as an accountable
document for a payment received (e.g.
reservation change fee, date change penalty,
excess baggage, etc.) and as a credit note or
voucher (e.g. residual value/compensation)
and settled just like standard e-tickets using
existing settlement plans from BSP India. Since
the functionality will be fully integrated in the
Amadeus system, it will offer a single view in
the PNR with automatic reporting in the BSP
sales report as well as back office systems via
the Amadeus Interface Record.
Commenting on the launch, Rakesh Bansal,
CEO, Amadeus India said, “Amadeus has
constantly been working towards offering
innovative solutions to its travel agency
partners to improve productivity at the counter
staff level as well as maximising revenue
opportunities. We are proud to launch the EMD
functionality with Finnair for travel agencies
in India. This functionality will help travel
agencies sell ancillary services on Finnair and
the same can be accounted for via the BSP in
India. In addition, it will help Finnair enhance its
offering and customer service with increased
revenue streams from ancillary services.”
Bird Hospitality Services (BHS) has
introduced a new entertainment concept
for kids between 3 and 10 years called as
“Club Fledge” at iSKATE. The key attraction of
the zone is a rink with trainers to guide the
children. Club Fledge has an in-house library
housing educational tools, activity books,
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puzzles, and coloring sheets. It also offers
lunch, dinner, and meals when required. The
zone also has an in-house medical room.
Club Fledge is a one-of-its kind experience
for younger children. It is a contemporary, urban
recreation and learning facility where children
can do something constructive while having fun.
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Bally unveils Autumn/Winter collection 2012
A special evening hosted by jewellery
designer Saba Ali Khan and Ankur Bhatia,
Executive Director, Bird Group, at the Bally
store in New Delhi brought together celebs
from different walks of life. Couture designer
JJ Vallaya along with actors Soha Ali Khan
and Kunal Khemu were present at the event.
Bally, the famous Swiss fashion brand, recently
hosted a special showcase of their Autumn/
Winter 2012 collection at DLF Emporio. The
event was held to celebrate the onset of the
festive season and Diwali. For its Autumn/
Winter 2012 ready-to-wear collection, Bally
captures the romance of a high-life lived
around the world in dazzling locations with
exacting standards.
Amadeus India has been adjudged as the ‘Best Travel Technology
Company’ at this year’s Brands Academy World Travel Awards conducted
by Brands Academy and NDTV Profit. Brands Academy is one of India’s
premier brand management consultancies in India. Rakesh Bansal,
CEO received this award on behalf of Amadeus India from Chief Guest
Prahlad Kakkar, one of India’s leading ad film director.
The ceremony took place on 15th Dec 2012 at Radisson Blu, Dwarka.
Some of the best brands in hospitality, travel and tourism industries
including Taj hotels, Leela hotels, Radisson hotels, Thomas Cook, Fern
Hotels etc and other B2B providers were felicitated during this function.
Max Bupa Health Insurance organised
Walk for Health, an initiative to encourage
people to build more walking into
their daily routine. Walk For Health
was organized simultaneously across
Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. The
atmosphere was exhilarating, with
walkers from all quarters arriving at the
venue to show solidarity for the cause of
walking.The toon parade present at the
venue added to the spirit of the morning.
Bird Segway participated in this event
and celebrities like tv actor Hussain
Kuwajerwala, classical dancer Sonal
Mansingh, Bollywood actress Nafisa Ali
were seen riding the Segway. Besides
the bevy of renowned personalities,
participants from all age were excited
after taking a ride on a Segway.
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Bollywood Stars
The Tiger at iSKATE
Superstar Salman Khan was present at iSKATE
on 11th August 2012 to promote his movie ‘Ek
Tha Tiger’. The huge fan following that the
superstar enjoys, had brought people in hordes
to get a glimpse of their favourite actor. iSKATE
was brimming with people and this situation
could be attributed to the over-enthusiasm
among the fans. Most of the invitees had their
friends and families tagged along. Salman Khan
dressed in his usual style casual shirt & jeans
was completely engrossed answering media
questions. He also posed with children present
at iSKATE and signed autographs.
Shirin Farhad Hangout
with their Fans
Bird Group/Amadeus India hosted a Press
conference for the romantic comedy ‘Shirin
Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ at iSKATE with
Bollywood stars Farah Khan & Boman Irani.
‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ is a story
about Farhad Pastakiya (Boman), a 45-year-old
Parsi bachelor working as a lingerie salesman,
who falls in love with Shirin Fugawala (Farah),
40-year-old, bubbly and straight forward woman.
The ‘hatke’ couple enjoyed the evening as they
were amazed with some really hilarious questions
by their fans. Boman was at his witty best as he
pulled Farah’s leg talking about her diet plans.
StarGaze : Kareena
Kapoor promotes
Heroine at iSKATE
Bird Group/Amadeus India hosted a press
conference as part of the movie promotions
for “Heroine” at iSKATE. The movie depicts the
life of a heroine in Bollywood. It depicts the
challenges and the triumphs, the despair and
the glory in the life of a diva. Actress Kareena
Kapoor looked radiant in a summery dress at
the promotion of her upcoming film ‘Heroine’
Bollywood Director Madhur Bhandarkar and
Kareena Kapoor were present at iSKATE to have
an informal session with the media. The stars
happily gave away their autographs to the fans
present and later were joined by Ankur Bhatia.
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at iSKATE
Don’t Worry Be Barfi!
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor - and his costars Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D’Cruz were
present at iSKATE to promote their new film
Barfi, which released in theatres last Friday.
Accompanying them were music composer
Pritam Chakraborty and director Anurag Basu
. A crowd of over a thousand people were
seen hooting, whistling and screaming the
names of Priyanka and Ranbir as they entered
Ambience Mall in Gurgaon to meet their fans.
While girls couldn’t stop staring at Ranbir, boys
were seen shouting Priyanka’s name. A parallel
contest was also run on Facebook “Don’t
Worry Be Barfi” where fans posted pictures
of themselves imitating funny expressions
of Ranbir Kapoor. Thousands of entries were
received for this competition which was a huge
success. Winners of this contest were present
there at the venue and had the opportunity to
get clicked with the stars.
School visit organised at
iSKATE
A fun-filled skating session was organised
at iSKATE for the children of Ambience School,
Gurgaon. The kids all had fun, even though
most of them were pretty unsteady on skates.
Many had never tried skating before, some had
been before, some could skate already, but all
had one thing in common & that was to have
fun. Positive feedback from parents & kids,
confirms again, that iSKATE, provides world
class infrastructure for ice/ figure skaters and
budding professionals across India.
Luv Shuv and Skating
with actor Kunal Kapoor!
Bollywood actors Kunal Kapoor and Huma
Qureshi alongwith ace Director Anurag
Kashyap were present at iSKATE to promote
their movie Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana.The
movie is about the frantic search for a muchcoveted recipe for chicken curry. Directed by
debutant Sameer Sharma it has been pitched
as Bollywood’s first food film.
15
Global News
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Product+
for better efficiency
Launch of EMD Functionality in India
Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile companion
Amadeus Sell connect
Hotel Plus Multisource
Amadeus Ticket Changer now available for more airlines
Evolution in the fare calculation amendment
New supporting documents solution-Agent/Audit Coupon layout update
Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless flow
already in production
Amadeus Skilling Training Enviroment
Amadeus Automated Ticketing Limits
17
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PRODUCT +
Launch of EMD Functionality in India
Amadeus
becomes the 1st
GDS in India to
launch Electronic
Miscellaneous
Document (EMD)
functionality.
Amadeus becomes the 1st GDS in India
to launch Electronic Miscellaneous Document
(EMD) functionality.Both IATA and ARC have set
the target of 100% global implementation of
the new Electronic Miscellaneous Document
(EMD) by the end of 2013.
As the industry continues it’s evolution to
a paperless environment, Amadeus is working
closely with all of its travel agency partners to
ensure a smooth and seamless transition to
the new electronic technology.
What is EMD?
Key Features:
A single standardized method to issue all
airline services, replacing the automated MCO,
Amadeus Virtual MCO & IATA Virtual MPD.
l High product flexibility; allowing for f u l l
customization according to any market
specifications or local constraints. l Fully integrated in the Amadeus system,
offering a one-stop view in the PNR, with
automatic reporting in the sales report
and back-office system via the Amadeus
Interface Record.
l Real-time and secured information through
out the whole EMD cycle.
l
EMD is an electronic record used to capture
data about a sale and track its usage. Issued
Key Benefits:
as accountable document for:
l The same workflow as for the existing
lA payment received (e.g. Reservation Change
automated/virtual MCO means minimal
Fee, Date Change Penalty).
impact to existing business practices.
lA payment made for a service that will be provided at a different point in time (e.g. l Improved customer service with technology
(no paper to lose, time-saving for passenger).
Excess Baggage).
l
Enhanced functionality such as interlining,
lAs a credit note/voucher (e.g. residual
multi-coupon documentation, e-ticket
value/compensation).
association.
EMD is a replacement for accountable
paper documents including MCO, MPD, Manual lEnvironmentally friendly.
Excess Baggage Ticket and interim virtual For more Information contact: Amadeus India
documents In India, Amadeus is launching Products & Solutions, product@amadeus.in
EMD with Finnair.
Or Call our toll free 1800 111 200.
18
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PRODUCT +
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Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile Companion
l The
other way of accessing Amadeus
CheckMyTrip with a mobile is through
CheckMyTrip Mobile Companion
l You
can download the Amadeus Check
MyTrip application on your mobile (http://
www.checkmytrip.com/mc)
l Once
you have installed this application on
your mobile device you can use it any time
you travel, with or without internet connection
l
Flight Details
lAircraft
lBooking
Type
lDistance
lDuration
Class
For more Information contact: Amadeus India
Products & Solutions, product@amadeus.in
Or Call our toll free number 1800 111 200
Amadeus Sell Connect
Accessible anytime anywhere through Internet.
All the features, functionality and content at
your finger tips.
Tailored Approach
Agency specific customisation for a tailored fit
that matches your business objectives.
Cryptic Magic
Speed and power of cryptic commands married
with a rich graphical display regardless of the
GDS language.
Productivity Suite/ Booking File
It drives efficiency and quality, productivity
gains and cost saving.
19
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P r o duct +
PRODUCT +
PRODUCT +
Hotels Plus Multisource
Introduction
The Amadeus Hotels Plus (GDS and nonGDS), an optional module integrated into
Amadeus Selling Platform. This explains how
to use Amadeus Hotels Plus from an end-user
point of view.
Audience
This is intended for travel agents who use
Amadeus Hotels Plus.
Features
lAll
Hotel Content –Both GDS & Non GDS
is saleable in Amadeus Selling Platform
l
Pictures Galleries, marketing text, Auto
Completion for Speedier searches
l
Non GDS results displayed in a separate
window
lSaved
Hotel for “Most- used” searches;
immediate booking confirmation
l
Comparison of Hotels for faster choice;
prepaid rates & indicator with Best
Available Rate Indicator
l
Different forms of payment supported ( Ex
Credit line, Credit Card, Bank Transfer Etc.)
lAuto
Proposal E-mails for great service;
Hotel Voucher issuance!
l
Online customer identification / registration
to aggregators like DOTW. Transhotel, HRS
& adding many more aggregators
l
You can find photos, pictures, Maps,
detailed descriptive information
lEasy
20
Navigation & no entries to learn
Global News
PRODUCT +
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Amadeus Ticket Changer available for more airlines
Automated Penalty Collection is available
with following airlines - 9W,AA,AY,AZ,BA,CA,C
I,EY,KC,LY,MH,MI,MU,MJ,OZ,SV,SU,S2,AI,EK,TG,
LH,SQ,QR,UL,WY,KQ,LX,QF,PG,CZ,US,NZ,VN,SK,
SA,CX,KA,MS, OK,KE,AF,KL,DL,MK.
Re-Iterating Key Features The ATC entries (FXF/FXQ/FXO/FXE) can be
used to re-issue E-Tickets on a wide range of
carriers who file the fare penalty via ATPCO
CAT 16 above the NOTE section in fare rules.
The ATC entries automatically generate
an applicable penalty fee (only single
tax code) into the TST as a tax code,
Q surcharge, additional amount etc. based on
each participating local airline policy.
Evolution in the fare calculation - amendment
Overview:
Today, when trying to issue a ticket, even
with tickets containing less than 60 taxes,
agents may be rejected at issuance time with
an error message indicating “Fare calculation
too long ticket manually”.
Thanks to the new enhancement the Fare
calculation area could support up to 350
character
*Note that maximum number of taxes for
an e-ticket is still 60 and for the Airlines which
support breakdown of taxes
New supporting documents solution - Agent/Audit
Coupon layout update
Overview:
Following the requests from different
markets, it has been decided to enhance the
Agent Coupon and Audit Coupon generic
layouts in order to fit with market needs.
2 enhancements will be added on the Agent/
Audit Coupon layouts on December, 10th.
Moreover, the mention “IT” or “BT” will be
printed on the Remittance Area.
Please note that the Credit Card Charge
Form layout is not modified: fare and total
amounts are still concealed on CCCF in case
of IT or BT ticket.
Key features
Fare and total amounts no longer concealed
in case of IT or BT ticket.
As the Agent and Audit coupons are
documents kept by the travel agency, there
is no need to conceal fare and total amounts
in case of IT or BT tickets.
Fare, total and grand total amounts will
be printed instead of “IT” or “BT” mention.
21
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PRODUCT +
Amadeus will now include the baggage policy information on E-Ticket Receipt (ITR) as
validated by US Department of Transportation (USDOT).
Key Features:
• Passengers travelling to/from and within the
US are provided with details of the baggage
policies applicable for their itinerary.
• These baggage policies are displayed on
the E-ticket receipt (ITR) including detailed
information about the number of pieces
allowed, together with the weight and
dimensions.
Key Benefits:
• Passengers can now readily view the
relevant baggage policies for their itineraries
to/from within the US on their E-ticket.
• This helps in reducing customer complaints
resulting from a lack of available baggage
allowance information prior to check in.
Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless
flow already in production
Key features:
l
FXP: Modified to price the itinerary and the
credit card fees.
l FXG: Will be made available in TLA to price
the ancillary services and the credit card fees.
22
l
FXX: Will be made available in TLA for
informative itinerary pricing.
l FXH: Will be made available in TLA for
informative ancillary service pricing.
Global News
PRODUCT +
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Contributing to the world for a better environment by preserving our global biodiversity,
Amadeus has enhanced the functionality of Printing E ticket coupons selectively.
Key Features:
l
User now can choose to avoid printing both
audit and agent coupons while issuing
E-Tickets.
l
User now can give an override option of
selective coupon printing while issuing
E-Tickets.
Amadeus brings you the state of the art self-sufficiency tool and knowledge base access for
instant results at the click of the mouse. The Amadeus E-Support centre now comes with a
complete new look and more fascinating features.
Key Benefits:
l
l
l
l
Instant query and solution handling 24x7
online with relevant cases & examples.
Remarkably reduced turnaround time for
travel agents between their queries and
our responses.
Database consists of more than 5,000
solutions….
New scenarios added & updated to the
database regularly.
l
An online self-paced, self-help search just
like Google search at no extra cost
Key Features:
lEasy
to access from Amadeus Selling
Platform via Smart tab; No separate Logins credentials needed.
lSearch the wide range of learning and
support content using the quick single
search function.
e-Support Centre Smart tab deployed on ASP
23
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PRoDUCT +
Amadeus Automated
Ticketing Limits
Amadeus Skilling
Training Environment
amadeus is pleased to announce
enhancements to the automated Ticketing
limits product.
For altéa carriers implemented with single
PNR, aTl can now apply on operating code
share flights segments.
For all aTl airline customers, the new
aTl extension rule enables to postpone
automatically oPCs in case of emergency
situation (Typhoon, earthquake, strike...).
airlines can now also choose to re-apply
a ticketing time limit after void / refund of
the e-ticket.
Please be informed that effective 01Jan
2013, you can no longer access training mode
by typing JJ followed by your sign in on the
asP production URl http://amadeusvista.com
amadeus Training (sKl) is replacing Practice
Training to become the sole dedicated training
environment.
To access amadeus training, you need to
access the url:
• http://training.amadeusvista.com ( if you
are connected to the internet)
• http://training.1a.amadeusvista.com (if
your connected to the amadeus Network)
Key Benefits:
•
•
•
•
The airline can extend its ticketing time
limit policy on its operating codeshare
flights.
The ATL extension rule enables the airline
to ease the TTL policy for specific point of
sale or on a global scale.
The extension of TTL can be set and
triggered in advance or instantly according
to the business and market contexts.
The airline can prevent the agent’s use of
ticket void in an attempt to bypass the
cancellation.
Key Features that differentiate SKL
from Practice Training:
•
•
•
•
•
System date in SKL will be a past date
Functionalities available will be same as
production
Data available in SKL system is taken from
production but is not current data, it could
be up to a couple of months old
Fares data in SKL is upto 3 months old
Sign in passwords are not the same for SKL
Key Benefits:
•
The added benefits of the migration to
amadeus Training are increased security
and the ability to deliver training on
amadeus Products
It is strongly recommended that all training
activities are carried out on amadeus Training
(sKl) with immediate effect.
For further information please be in touch
with your nearest Amadeus office.
24
Wins all the way
Awards and accolades
Amadeus stays as the uncontested leader
Winner of Superbrands award for the last three consecutive years; twice awarded as the
‘Best GDS’ by TAAI; and the recent recipient of ‘Times Travel 2011’ award in the category of
‘Best Backend System’.
Amadeus key advantages & USPs
• Highest number of System User Airlines (over 150)
• Only GDS to have integrated content in Amadeus PNRs from 3rd party
• Unique solution to sell LCC content through ‘Booking Builder’
• First to launch mobile solution in India through Mobile Selling Platform
• Largest number of saleable airlines
• Largest number of saleable hotel properties with highest number of Best Available Rate
• First GDS to launch solution for corporates to track their employees through Amadeus One Click
To learn more about how the world’s best travel technology provider can help your business
succeed, call us on our 24x7 help line on 1800 111 200 or visit us at www.amadeus.in
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Providers
Airline news & Joint promotions
Lao Central Airlines enjoys Interactive Advanced seat reservation
and Interactive seat map
Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat Reservation and Interactive
Seat Map
Amadeus launches EMD Functionality with Finnair
Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic Availability
Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell
Joint Promotions
27
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PROVIDERS
Airline News
Lao Central Airlines enjoys
Interactive Advanced seat reservation
and Interactive seat map
We are pleased to announce that Air Italy
(I9) has been successfully implemented on
Interactive advanced seat reservation and
Interactive seat map.
Interactive advance seat reservation
immediately confirms or rejects the seat
number(s) reserved. Interactive seat map
provides with up-to-date displays in a common
amadeus format.
For more information please refer to
GGPCI9.
We are pleased to announce that Lao
Central Airlines (LF) has been successfully
implemented on Interactive advanced seat
reservation and Interactive seat map.
Interactive advance seat reservation
immediately confirms or rejects the seat
number(s) reserved. Interactive seat map
provides with up-to-date displays in a common
amadeus format.
GGPCLF.
We are pleased to announce that JSC Bek
Air (Z9) has been successfully implemented
on Amadeus access sell.
Amadeus access sell provides immediate
segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure
sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.
GGPCAZ9.
Amadeus launches EMD Functionality
with Finnair
We are pleased to announce that Air Onix
(OG) has been successfully implemented on
Amadeus access sell.
GGPCAOG.
Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat
Reservation and Interactive Seat Map
We are pleased to share with you that
Amadeus is the first GDS in India to launch
EMD functionality. Amadeus is launching EMD
with Finnair (AY).
EMD is a single standardized method to
issue all airline services, replacing automated
MCO, Amadeus virtual MCO &IATA virtual
MPD.
For more information please contact
Amadeus Helpdesk.
Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus
Access Sell
We are pleased to announce that Astra
Airlines (A2) has been successfully implemented
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PROVIDERS
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GGPCAA2.
BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus
Access Sell
We are pleased to announce that
BMI Regional (BM) has been successfully
implemented on Amadeus access sell.
GGPCABM.
Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus
Access Sell
We are pleased to announce that Jetstar
Japan (GK) has been successfully implemented
GGPCAGK.
Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus
Access Sell
Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic
Availability
We are pleased to announce that Air China
(CA) was successfully implemented in amadeus
dynamic availability.
Amadeus dynamic availability provides
a real-time seamless availability from the
participant system.
For more information, please refer to
GGPCACA.
We are pleased to announce that Lao
Central Airlines (LF) has been successfully
implemented on Amadeus access sell.
GGPCALF.
We are pleased to announce that Rotana
Jet(RG) has been successfully implemented on
Amadeus access sell.
GGPCARG.
29
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Joint Promotions
Amadeus and Air India held an exciting Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in India.
The agents had to contribute 10% and 20% additional segments in comparison to the average
productivity of the months of Mar’12-May’12 using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to
Amadeus. The Validity of the promotion was from 23rd Jul’12 to 10th Sep’12. Promotion applied
to all Air India flights on domestic network only. Lucky winners (to be identified soon) will get
electronic gadgets, travel tickets, hotel accommodation and a Tata Nano car as the bumper prize.
Amadeus and Emirates held an exciting
Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents
in India. The agent had to contribute 10%
additional segments compared to average
ticketed segments of Jun’12 and Jul’12 using
Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to
Amadeus.
The Validity of the promotion was from 24th
Sep’12 to 21st Oct’12. Promotion applied to all
Emirates flights operating to Europe via DXB.
Lucky winner of tickets for ICC T20 Cup
final in Sri Lanka were:
* Griffin Marine from BOM
* Uniglobe Air Travel Bureau from BLR
* TSI Yatra from DEL
* BCD Travel from HYD
Amadeus and Jet Airways held an exciting
Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in
Karnataka. The agent had to sell selected flights
using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs
to Amadeus. The Validity of the promotion was
from 15th Jul’12 to 15th Sep’12. Lucky winners
won gift vouchers, hotel accommodation in HYD
and airline tickets as the bumper prize. Please
find below list of Winners:
1. LEIBIZ TRAVEL SERVICES (IXE)
2. RAMDEV INTERNATIONAL (IXE)
3. RAMDEV INTERNATIONAL (IXE)
4. FLORA TRAVELS (IXE)
5. BALMER LAWRIE & CO LTD (BLR)
6. INDICA TRAVELS & TOURS PVT.LTD (BLR)
7. UNIGLOBE AIR TRAVEL (BLR)
8. PRIYADARSHINI AIR WINGS PVT LTD. (BLR)
promotion was from 15th Jul’12 to 15th
Sep’12. Lucky winners won gift vouchers, hotel
accommodation in Goa and airline tickets as the
bumper prize. Please find below list of Winners:
1. SAMEERA TRAVELS & TOURS PVT.LTD.(HYD)
2. GLOBAL TRAVEL EXPERTs (VTZ)
3. GLOBAL TRAVEL EXPERTS (VTZ)
4. ATLURI TRAVEL AIR (HYD)
5. TRADE WINGS LTD (HYD)
6. UNIGLOBE SAI POOJA TRAVEL (HYD)
7. UNIGLOBE AIR TRAVEL BUREAU (HYD)
8. UNIGLOBE SAI POOJA TRAVEL (HYD)
Amadeus & Jet Airways Joint
Promotion - Andhra Pradesh
Amadeus and Jet Airways held an exciting
Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in
Andhra Pradesh. The agent had to sell selected
flights using Amadeus selling platform and
queue PNRs to Amadeus. The Validity of the
30
Amadeus & Jet Airways Joint
Promotion - All India
Amadeus in association with Jet Airways and
JetKonnect have an ongoing Joint promotion,
called Diwali Dhamaka, for all Amadeus agents
in India. The agents need to sell and ticket
any 9w or S2 flights using Amadeus selling
platform and queue them to DEL1A0980.
The Validity of the promotion is from 15th
Oct’12 to 15th Dec’12. Lucky winners will win
Blackberry phones, hotel accommodation in
GOA, electronic gadgets and airline tickets.
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Global News
Across the Amadeus world
Amadeus launches mobile booking app & new UI for corporate travel
Amadeus launches industry first solution making flight search
BA becomes the first airline to sign Amadeus’ new revenue
accounting solution
Amadeus extends agreement with FCm Travel Solutions
31
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Global News
Amadeus launches mobile booking
app and new UI for corporate travel
• Amadeus e-Travel Management helps corporations
achieve a higher adoption rate possible thanks to its new
workflow redesign and improved look and feel
• The new mobile booking app enables efficiency and
continuity of service for travellers on the road
Amadeus, a leading technology partner for
the global travel industry, today launches its
new User Interface (UI) and presents its mobile
booking application. The online corporate travel
booking tool, Amadeus e-Travel Management
(AeTM), used by over 6,000 corporations in
59 markets, helps corporations reduce costs
and gain total control of every aspect of the
corporate travel process.
Olive Kavanagh, Travel Category Manager,
Strategy & Technology, Microsoft commented,
“We welcomed the introduction of the new
AeTM user interface, which provides an
updated user experience that is more aligned
with familiar consumer travel sites. Following
a successful pilot in Ireland, we are currently
in the process of migrating a number of
other EMEA markets. The rollout has been
seamless, requiring minimal communication
to our employees and receiving only positive
feedback. It’s great to see AeTM evolving and
we look forward to continued updates and
new functionality.”
AeTM has undergone a completely new
workflow redesign, streamlining the booking
process itself, making it easier and faster
to search, book, review and approve. These
changes, coupled with a new look and feel,
enable travellers and travel arrangers to make
their way through the booking process more
intuitively and seamlessly, saving time on tasks.
The new intuitive experience, which is closer to
the flow that travellers are used to on leisure
websites, better enables a higher acceptance
of the company travel programme, while
reducing the need for heavy management and
mandating processes, hence driving business
costs down.
32
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Global News
In conjunction with the launch of the new
UI, Amadeus presents its mobile booking app,
Amadeus e-Travel Management Mobile, which
is currently in beta testing mode in Scandinavia
and will be available to users in the next
few months. The new tool allows travellers
to make new air and rail bookings via their
mobile devices including iPhone and Android,
ensuring efficiency and continuity of service
for travellers on the road.
Graeme White, Support Analyst, Application
Support Team, House of Travel commented,
“At House of Travel, some of our largest clients
are using Amadeus e-Travel Management.
When visiting our clients a few weeks ago
to demo the new interface and go through
the migration process, they were all thrilled
about the enhancements and looking forward
not only to test drive it but also to see it live
for their travellers who will experience a very
intuitive and straightforward experience.¨
Albert Pozo, VP Global Customer Group,
Amadeus commented: “We continue to
increase our efforts and investments to deliver
an enhanced portfolio of solutions addressing
the needs of the fast evolving professional
corporate travel management. Our customers
and partners remain the main drivers of our
priorities, guiding us on how to best evolve our
technology and complement our portfolio. The
feedback from clients who have been testing
both tools to-date is overwhelmingly positive.
No doubt, our collaborative approach, travel
technology competency, investment capability,
and our customer experience and strategic
vision, is a winning formula today and will
continue to be so in the future.”
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AeTM has
undergone a
completely
new workflow
redesign,
streamlining the
booking process
itself, making
it easier and
faster to search,
book, review and
approve.
33
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Global News
Amadeus launches industry first
solution making flight search
• Patent-pending search solution, Amadeus Featured
Results™, instantly delivers the four most relevant
bookable travel options available - fastest, cheapest,
most popular and sponsored
• Amadeus to preview new solution at the
PhoCusWrightTravel Innovation Summit
Amadeus, a leading technology partner
for the global travel industry, is to preview
an industry first search solution which
revolutionises the way that flight options are
presented to travellers. The patent-pending
Amadeus Featured Results solution will
be presented at the PhoCusWright Travel
Innovation Summit in Arizona, U.S.A. Vayama,
a leading online travel agency uniquely
focused on international travel, is the first
pilot customer to implement the solution in
beta form on its website, including 100 origin
and destination combinations, which will be
presented at the Amadeus booth throughout
the PhoCusWright conference, November 1315. Full global market availability for Featured
Results is scheduled for early 2013.
Amadeus Featured Results™ platform
significantly improves leisure travellers´ online
purchasing experience by making travel search
simpler and more relevant. Using breakthrough
technology, Amadeus has combined both
sophisticated flight search technology and
travel business intelligence data to deliver
to the traveller a more relevant set of search
results at the top of the display screen. In fact,
Amadeus is processing more data than ever
before in order to return the most relevant,
cheapest, fastest, sponsored and most popular
bookable travel options in a tenth of a second.
Unlike other available search tools, there is no
need for travellers to sift through hundreds of
recommendations.
Ted Jansen, EVP at Travix International and
Head of Vayama commented, “We believe
Featured Results is a game-changer for the
travel industry. Since starting the company
five years ago, we’ve been wholly focused on
34
providing travellers with one place to find and
book the very best international fares. Online
flight search, in its current form, is complex,
but we see potential for search to be an engine
for discovery and inspiration. After all, planning
a trip should be fun, not a chore. Working
together with Amadeus, we’ve introduced the
Featured Results solution at Vayama.com to
help travellers cut through the clutter to find
more of exactly what they’re looking for.”
An Amadeus-commissioned study
conducted by PhoCusWright in 2011,
Empowering Inspiration: The future of
travel search, showed that consumers are
overwhelmed by the universe of search
options. Travellers´ biggest pain points are the
perceived difficulty of content aggregation and
information overload, coupled with the anxiety
of finding the best price which subsequently
impacts their buying decisions.
Holger Taubmann, SVP Distribution
Amadeus, commented: “Amadeus’ vision is
to place the traveller in the driver’s seat and
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Global News
to create the ultimate search, shop and buy
experience. And our travel industry customers
and the travellers they serve remain the main
drivers of our priorities, guiding us on how to
best complement our portfolio and evolve our
technology.”
The Featured Results™ solution was
developed thanks to various important
technology components, highlighting the
behind the scenes innovation. The solution
leverages Amadeus´ Massive Computation
Platform™ which allows the computation of
huge amounts of data into live caches that
secure instant search capabilities, whilst
securing data accuracy. The platform processes,
stores and serves in a neutral manner the data
for Featured Results web services. Amadeus´
business intelligence platform stores and
analyses live and historical global search and
reservation data, in order to factor in price
volatility and itinerary popularity. It also
includes Amadeus´ instant search technology
to scan live reservations and extract relevant
data that can be incorporated into the search
calculation and results.
Additionally, the solution´s algorithm
blends both price and business intelligence
data to showcase the flight options most-often
booked from people who searched city pairs
for the same date, or, at the request of the
travel agent, promotes a specific offer that is
popular or relevant to the specific search. It
also integrates live registration data to flag
search results with ´relevance signals´, such as
popularity of a given route, number of active
reservations on a specific flight, remaining
seats, when the price was last booked, etc.
Taubmann added, “As a leading and
growing innovator in online travel and travel
search, today Amadeus technology powers
some of the most important online travel
agencies globally. By helping travellers navigate
an overwhelming amount of information
and decrease their search time, we can
help online travel agents increase customer
satisfaction and conversion rates. Amadeus´
strong investment and focus on the online
travel segment coupled with our unique
travel technology competency will enable us
to successfully continue to serve the evolving
needs of our customers into the future.”
Amadeus Featured Results™ is part of the
Amadeus Search Portfolio™ which includes a
range of solutions that cover the trip lifecycle,
from inspiration (discovery and learning) tools
through to shopping and booking.
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“As a leading
and growing
innovator in
online travel and
travel search,
today Amadeus
technology
powers some
of the most
important online
travel agencies
globally.
35
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Global News
BA becomes the first airline to sign Amadeus’
new revenue accounting solution
Amadeus
Passenger
Revenue
Accounting
enables realtime revenue
monitoring for
faster, more
accurate revenue
decisions.
36
Amadeus, a leading travel technology
partner and transaction processor for the
global travel and tourism industry, today
announces that British Airways has become the
first airline to sign for Amadeus’ new Passenger
Revenue Accounting solution. British Airways
will benefit from Amadeus’ user-friendly, webbased system, which employs state-of-the-art
technology in order to transform revenue
accounting from a labour-intensive task to a
fast, flexible strategic function.
Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting
is designed to help airlines increase revenue,
reduce operational costs, and make revenue
decisions more quickly and accurately.
Whereas current passenger revenue accounting
processes are often slow to recognise and
process revenue, Amadeus’ new system offers
real-time, largely automated data acquisition
and processing.
British Airways is scheduled to migrate
to the new solution in early 2014 and will
benefit from the solution’s full integration with
the Amadeus Altéa solution, of which British
Airways is a significant and long standing
customer.
“The removal of paper documents from the
passenger distribution process provides the
opportunity to bring revenue accounting closer
to the operational functions. We have been
looking for a passenger revenue accounting
system that takes maximum advantage of
this opportunity, and the solution agreed will
be delivered in partnership with Amadeus”,
explained Gyorgyi Szantner, Head of Finance
Services, British Airways.
“We believe it will enable us to transform
passenger revenue accounting from a ‘back
office’ function to a ‘front-end’ activity,
providing real time visibility across the airline
including our operational colleagues on how
well the airline is performing”, she added.
Christophe Bousquet, VP, Development,
Amadeus, commented: “This strategic
partnership with British Airways demonstrates
that we both share the same vision for a next
generation passenger revenue accounting
solution. Our passenger revenue accounting
system is built using modern technology and
embraces the latest industry standards. It
allows for real-time acquisition, reporting and
accounting thanks to its unique integration
with airline operational systems. Accuracy
and productivity are both increased and
essentially, this new Amadeus solution
enables airlines to know their revenues as
G lo b al N e ws
Global News
interface
soon as the plane doors close”.
He continues: “Leading airlines consider
revenue accounting as a business domain
that requires modernization. Amadeus brings
to the market a new generation product that
fulfills that need and we are delighted that
British Airways has selected Amadeus as its
strategic partner in this crucial area’.
Amadeus’ Passenger Revenue Accounting
solution responds to the airline industry’s
requirements for a fully integrated,
fully scalable, paperless solution that
is adaptable to support partnership
agreements such as alliances, joint
ventures and mergers, whilst complying
with new market or industry trends such
as electronic miscellaneous documents or
simplified interline settlement.
As the latest addition to Amadeus’ rich
portfolio of airline IT products, Amadeus
Passenger Revenue Accounting demonstrates
the organisation’s ability to supplement the
core Altéa suite with value-added IT solutions.
Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting is
available to all airlines wishing to implement
a new passenger revenue accounting solution,
and can be integrated with the rest of their
passenger services applications. For more
information about Amadeus Passenger
Revenue Accounting, please visit the Amadeus
Airline IT website.
37
interface
Global News
Amadeus extends agreement with
FCm Travel Solutions
FCm, a global
corporate travel
and expense
management
specialist,
continues to
benefit from
Amadeus
content since its
initial agreement
in 2007.
38
Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner
and transaction processor for the global travel
and tourism industry, and global corporate
travel and expense management specialist
FCm Travel Solutions, have strengthened their
partnership by renewing their global content
agreement for a further five years. Under this
agreement, Amadeus content will continue
to be available to FCm’s partner network
via Amadeus Selling Platform and Amadeus’
e-Travel Management booking tool.
Both Amadeus and FCm have recognised
the strategic importance of this deal. Gregory
Lording, Global Brand Leader at FCm Travel
Solutions said: “Amadeus’ global expertise
in distribution, IT and support is highly
regarded. We look forward to working closely
with Amadeus to ensure our global business
achieves more consistency across its IT
processes.”
Stephane Durand, Director, Online & Leisure
at Amadeus noted: “This extended agreement
will reinforce Amadeus’ relationship with FCm.
FCm will benefit from Amadeus’ industry
leading booking and IT solutions, whilst gaining
comprehensive, global support via our centralised
commercial and IT account managers. FCm’s
extended relationship with Amadeus will open
up new opportunities to grow further into IT
developments in the near future.”
In support of its ongoing relationship
with FCm, Amadeus was one of the major
sponsors for FCm’s global conference FCm
Focus. During the conference FCm launched
the extended agreement with Amadeus to its
partner network.
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Interface Issue 3 - December 2012 correction by MP.indd

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