With American Airlines now in the fold,
more than 99% of Sabre Travel Network agencies in North America are
participating in its Efficient Access Solution (EAS), a spokeswoman
said.
EAS, an optional
program introduced Sept. 1, trims the incentives that Sabre pays
agencies in exchange for content guarantees and protections against
service fees from
the eight participating
EAS airlines.
American's prior
content agreement with Sabre expired July 31, but the two parties
announced Sept. 1 that they concluded a new five-year agreement.
Other airlines in the program are United, Delta, Northwest,
Continental, US Airways, Alaska and AirTran.
The lack of an
agreement with American was considered to be a huge roadblock to
the program's success.
Sabre stated
Sept. 7 that "close to 100%" of its North American agency customers
participate in EAS, and spokeswoman Kathryn Hayden confirmed the
figure is more than 99%. Sabre stated that the participation
percentage includes online and offline, as well as corporate and
leisure agencies.
"The EAS program
has clearly taken hold, and that's an all-around win for the travel
industry," stated Tom Klein, group president of Sabre Travel
Network and Sabre Airline Solutions.
"Agents,
suppliers, corporations, global distribution providers, even
travelers themselves are now in a position of strength and
stability to get back to the business of providing and enjoying the
benefits of a balanced and complete travel distribution marketplace
where opportunities for business success and ultimate travel
flexibility are assured."
To contact reporter Dennis Schaal, send e-mail to [email protected].