AirTran Realizes Volume Gain through ARC

Atlanta-based AirTran Airways, a carrier historically identified with low fares and direct-to-consumer ticketless distribution, has broken all records on realizing rapid growth in Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) volume and ticketing using the travel agent channel.  ARC reports that, with year-over-year growth in transaction volume nearing 300 percent, AirTran Airways is rapidly becoming one of ARC’s top performing carrier participants. "This is in no small part thanks to ARC’s and the agent community’s complete commitment to automation and AirTran Airways’ commitment to e-ticketing," ARC said.

"We were extremely pleased with the phenomenal growth in ARC transactions for the 4th quarter of 2008," said Paul Clements, director of sales for AirTran Airways. "Much of this growth can be attributed to our introduction of e-ticketing through Sabre. As our travel agent partners become more familiar with our e-ticketing capability and their continued support we expect this growth to continue.

"We are delighted that AirTran Airways is pioneering the move from ‘ticketless’ interactions with ARC travel agencies to a full e-ticketing environment and seeing a huge surge in business," said Mike Premo, ARC vice president of marketing, sales, and customer care. "At the same time, they are enjoying our FlexRate pricing that rewards increases in ARC agency ticketing with lower costs. This may be the start of a trend as more carriers see the success they can enjoy by expanding their relationships with the ARC travel agency channel."

ARC said that carrier participation numbers reached new record levels in 2008.

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