Sabre is rolling out new software that is designed to make
it easier for airlines to distribute branded fares through the GDS.
Sabre’s solution allows airlines to use Airline Tariff
Publishing Company (ATPCO) technology to distribute branded fares, which typically
bundle ancillary services in the ticket price. Previously, the airlines had to
submit their branded fare packages directly to Sabre to make them available in
the GDS.
“Adopting the ATPCO standard means that our solutions meet
an industry standard,” said Shelly Terry, Sabre's vice president of travel
product solutions. “That creates greats efficiency for the airlines to be able
broadly and rapidly deploy their products.”
The six airlines that already offer branded fares in the
Sabre GDS will be switching to the upgraded software over the summer, Terry
said. Announcements will be coming soon about new airlines that will be taking
advantage of the software, she added.
Sabre Branded Fares also will have a direct benefit to
travel agents, said Kathy Morgan, Sabre's director of air products. The
software will allow agents to compare branded and standard fares in the same
display.