International airlines gain approval to use Amadeus in China

BANGKOK - Amadeus, a leading technology partner for the global travel industry, today celebrates a substantial milestone in the China market. Air France, KLM and Lufthansa are among the first international airlines to receive approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to use Amadeus under the new CRS (Computer Reservations System) regulations.

For the first time, the authorised airlines will be bookable, via Amadeus through a pre-selected group of travel agencies in Beijing. This preliminary group of travel agencies will soon be expanded to include other locations like Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Bart Tompkins, Managing Director, Amadeus China commented, “Implementing a new market wide policy is not without its challenges and we appreciate the CAAC’s efforts to progress the airline applications. In addition to the initial list of approved airlines and travel agents, we have several more that have committed to working with us in the market.”

Amadeus’ world class technology will deliver greatly improved efficiency and customer service for the travel industry in China. Travel agencies will be able to automatically price complex itineraries with fare guarantees, re-issue tickets, and manage changes and refunds, all within minutes.

Travel agencies looking to grow their online business can take advantage of Amadeus’ powerful search technology that can return up to 200 possible travel recommendations in a single transaction.

“Introducing more efficient, reliable, accurate technology that connects travellers with travel providers has been our number one priority for China and it will bring significant benefits to the travel market. We look forward to being part of that,” added Tompkins.

Amadeus is also in the process of applying for IATA billing and settlement plan (BSP) certification in China. Once obtained, this will give international airlines and travel agents the ability to use the Amadeus system to settle ticket payments, in line with industry practices.

Amadeus has the greatest reach of any global distribution system in the world. It processes 40% of all online and offline travel agency global air bookings to 430 airlines, 300,000 hotel properties, 32 car rental companies, 50 cruise and ferry lines as well as over 24 insurance provider groups. Chinese travellers that book with an Amadeus travel agency, online or offline, will have access to increased choice, better value and more travel options that are better tailored to their needs.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews