Sabre and Lufthansa have engaged in a little - "let's play pat-a-cake" at Amadeus expense.
In inking a new full content deal - the two have thrown the entire German travel marketplace upside down. So now there are NO fees for Sabre agents booking LH segments whereas Amadeus agents will have to pay the 4.90 Euro (plus VAT) fee for each segment. Hmmm this one is going to court that's for sure.
Here is the full PR blurb
Cheers
Timothy
News Release
Sabre: No surcharge for Lufthansa and SWISS full content fares
Sabre Travel Network expands agreement with Lufthansa and SWISS
LONDON, United Kingdom, 7 May 2008 - Sabre Travel Network today announced that Sabre agents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland who choose to participate in the Lufthansa and SWISS Preferred Fares programs will be able to access and sell all fares and inventory without a fee.
“This is fantastic news for our agency customers who have told us they want to continue booking via the GDS because it's the most efficient and productive way of working,” said Martin Cowley, Senior Vice President for Sabre Travel Network in EMEA.
Commenting on the announcement, Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales, Lufthansa Passenger Airlines said: “Sabre is an important distribution channel and an efficient marketplace for all Lufthansa fares. Thanks to the extension of our agreement, we can now offer our Preferred Fares without any additional fees to participating travel agencies using Sabre.”
Harry Hohmeister, SWISS Chief Network & Distribution Officer said: “Sabre is a key partner in our distribution structure. And for our travel agency partners, Sabre offers a highly efficient means of booking all SWISS and Lufthansa flights and fares. Our extended agreement with Sabre will sharpen SWISS's competitive edge and provide all the travel agencies that use Sabre with access to all SWISS and Lufthansa fares without additional fees.”
Today's announcement between Sabre, Lufthansa and SWISS also gives Sabre subscribers around the world continued access to all published fares and inventory.
“It's our standing philosophy to find solutions that meet the needs of everyone in the industry and today's announcement with Lufthansa and SWISS reinforces our ability to deliver this while highlighting the continued value of the GDS,” said Cowley.
“We're confident today's announcement will be well received by the industry, delivering benefits to our existing agents and new customers we hope to attract as part of our continued expansion in Europe,” he said.
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