Sabre Travel Network is enhancing shopping capabilities for tickets on low-cost airlines through a new XML connectivity being launched with AirTran Airways. XML technology--which Kyle Moore, vice president of product marketing for Sabre, describes as "the underlying data that allows someone to put a pretty face on [the data] with HTML"--provides a platform for the distribution of content from carriers that haven't previously participated in GDS systems. Agencies using the Sabre GDS will be able to view airline data such as real-time seat maps and flight information from AirTran and other low-cost carriers.
Sabre and AirTran are working on additional capabilities to enhance the airfare shopping experience, with an early 2008 launch date. "[Sabre's] new XML connectivity and the important capabilities it brings our airline will allow us to provide valuable information and services to travel agents through the efficiency of the Sabre GDS," said Kevin Healy, AirTran Airways vice president of planning. "We continue to invest in technology like this so we can serve the needs of our customers and improve operational efficiencies." Visit www.sabretravelnetwork.com. (JM)