Sabre Travel Network, operator of the world’s leading global distribution system ( GDS), has extended its agreement with Lebanese flag-carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), making its published fares and inventory available for subscribers of the Sabre global distribution system (GDS), including online and traditional travel agencies.
As part of the agreement, MEA has upgraded its participation in the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) to Direct Connect Availability (DCA), the highest level of connectivity. This gives agents access to real time information over the airline’s last seat availability, in addition to interactive, pre-reserved seating and a comprehensive seat map that will also be available
The Lebanese carrier is also implementing several added-value products from Sabre Travel Network, including the release of e-ticketing for Sabre Connected agencies, scheduled to be fully operational in January 2007.
“Lebanon’s travel industry has seen rapid expansion, and our efforts to continue providing our customers with the best possible services will be augmented by our deal with Sabre. This agreement will assist us in managing our products with increased inventory control and will improve our revenue management. Both business and leisure travellers will benefit, as they can be assured of getting the best price with the convenience and service they have come to expect,” said Mr. Nizar Khoury, Middle East Airline’s commercial director.
“Our agreement with Middle East Airlines reflects Sabre’s distribution value to the airlines, through our global scale and our continuous growth in key markets like the Middle East. This gives travel suppliers, travel agents, and individual travelers the most efficient, comprehensive, global and real-time electronic supermarket for the buying and selling of travel. ” said Daniel Naoumovitch, Sabre Travel Network Middle East’s chief executive officer.
About Middle East Airlines
Established in 1945, MEA launched its first service from Beirut, Lebanon to neighbouring countries Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, followed by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf countries. The company was restructured between 1998 and 2002, succeeding in turning a profit of USD $22 million in 2003 after years of huge annual losses. The restructuring business plan included the rationalization of the MEA’s network, streamlining its purchasing policy, cost reductions at all levels of the airline, the launch of the frequent flyer program and yield management systems, as well as a number of other measures destined to modernize and turn the company around. Today, MEA’s network is extensive, offering daily flights to selected locations in Europe, Africa and the greater Middle East, as well as seasonal flights to destinations around the world.
About Sabre Travel Network
Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides the most comprehensive end-to-end solutions for corporate and leisure travel. The Sabre GDS is the foundation for these solutions, providing a ready-built efficient marketplace that connects travel suppliers, including hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels, with more than 50,000 travel agency locations.
Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include the GetThere online corporate travel booking tool and the TRAMS mid- and back-office solution and marketing service for travel agencies.
Sabre Travel Network works closely with sister company Sabre Airline Solutions, the world's largest provider of products to help airlines market themselves, sell their products, serve their customers and operate more effectively, from planning to execution. The combined portfolio of marketing, sales, distribution, operational and decision-support technology is unique, and of huge value to airlines all over the world.
Sabre Holdings (NYSE: TSG) connects people with the world’s greatest travel possibilities.
