Amadeus has rolled out a new technology solution that it says will
revolutionize the low-cost airline market by providing comprehensive access to
sales via travel agents and corporate customers for the first time. Amadeus
Ticketless Access enables fare and flight information from ticketless carriers
to be displayed alongside those of full-service airlines through the GDS. It
also eliminates an estimated three to five euros per booking in added
technology costs currently faced by low-cost carriers that distribute through
this channel. Sterling,
the largest Scandinavian low-cost carrier, is working with Amadeus Ticketless
Access. Michael Hansen, vice president, business development and IT at Sterling, said in a statement: "The low-cost carrier
market in Europe is increasingly competitive,
and it is important that we continue to look at ways to increase revenues and
support growth. We have often been outspoken critics of the costs associated
with traditional GDSs in the past, but Amadeus Ticketless Access is a
pioneering tool to help us extend our reach and distribution." Frédéric Spagnou,
vice president, airline business group, Amadeus, said: "LCCs need to
generate new revenues if they are to stay ahead in a maturing market. In Europe alone the number of LCCs has increased from five
in 2000 to 65 in 2006. By removing the added technology cost associated with
distribution via the GDS, we have truly opened up sales through travel
agencies, balancing the dependency of low-cost airlines on the Internet
channel. Visit [www.amadeus.com/airlines].