Travelport reports the formal launch of Travelport Universal API, the GDS industry’s first application programming interface (API). The Universal API offers the power and capacity to aggregate travel content and related services from multiple sources through a single interface. This includes:
* GDS content
* Low-cost carrier content
* Directly connected high-speed rail content
* Merchandising content including optional services content from travel suppliers worldwide, regardless of the filing method
As a result of the new technology, developers will be able to access content efficientlyr by coding to one single solution instead of multiple APIs.
“Today’s travel agencies and developers are challenged by having to tap into multiple websites, GDSs, and supplier-direct channels to access the content, functionality, and pricing they need to satisfy consumer demand,” said Sally Balcombe, CMO of Travelport.
Third-party developers, online travel agencies (OTA), travel agencies and consolidators globally will experience many benefits using Travelport Universal API when building travel related applications for deployment on the web, for desktop solutions or mobile applications, including:
* Improved efficiency and time-to-market
* Streamlined travel supply chain
* Reduced software development costs.
Customers using applications built with Travelport Universal API can leverage seamless booking experiences through the use of the Travelport Universal Record – a true Super PNR. Travelport Universal Record is an off-host structured database that stores data for all segments booked through the Travelport Universal API – regardless of content source – with full synchronisation back to the GDS PNR to maintain mid- and back-office integration.
Travelport Universal API also works side-by-side with existing APIs, the company said. Agencies and developers can maximize their IT investments by gradually supplementing their existing content feeds and functionality as they transition to the new content resources and tools made available through Travelport Universal API.
Travelport Universal API is also a key interface and central to the underlying architecture of Travelport’s next-generation technologies, including Travelport Universal Desktop. Travelport Universal Desktop is the groundbreaking booking solution that unifies travel selling and merchandising onto a single platform. It is currently in testing at Flight Centre Ltd.
Visit www.travelport.com.