Abacus signs Malindo Air as low cost bookings soar

SINGAPORE– Adding to the fastest growing low cost carrier (LCC) portfolio in Asia Pacific, Abacus International announced a distribution partnership with Malaysia’s Malindo Air, the new budget airline jointly owned by National Aerospace and Defence Industries together with Indonesia’s Lion Air. 

The partnership is another milestone for Abacus in delivering fresh LCC content to travel agents using the company’s innovative technology. 

“Travel agents now have a more flexible channel to seek out the best fares from Malindo Air using the Abacus system with the ability to book ancillary services, such as in-flight movies, snacks, extra baggage,” commented Malindo Air CEO Mr Chandran Rama Muthy. “As we expand our fleet and routes beyond the ones we currently operate, travel agents on the Abacus System can expect to get immediate access to the most comprehensive range of fares, schedules and inventory.” 

Partnering with its first Global Distribution System (GDS), Malindo Air gains incremental sales in its core markets, channelled through Abacus’s comprehensive network of agents across Asia Pacific. LCC bookings on the Abacus System, which increased in volume by 80 per cent during Q1 and Q2 2013 compared with the same period in 2012, reflect the scale of demand within the regional trade. 

Mr Ho Hoong Mau, Division Head of Airline Distribution, Abacus International added, “Malindo Air’s welcome entry into both the low cost and full service sectors provides travellers in this region with a great deal more choice. We are delighted to be the first GDS to integrate the new content and deliver volume travel agent sales to Malindo Air. Intra-Asia traffic is growing exponentially on the Abacus System. This partnership comes at the ideal time.” 

Agents can compare and book the budget flights and offer travellers access to their itineraries online and via mobile devices. 

Malindo Air began its operation on 22 March this year with three daily round trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, but is expanding fast with new services to Dhaka, Bali, Jakarta, Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Alor Star, Johor Bahru, Penang, Sibu and Miri.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews