Simplifly Deccan and Abacus International sign GDS partnership

Tags :IT, GDS & Distribution, Air Deccan


(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation: Abacus International announced the first GDS partnership to take place in India’s low cost carrier (LCC) market with the launch of its distribution of fares for Deccan, India’s largest and fastest growing LCC. Effective now, passengers will be able to book their travel on Deccan through Abacus-connected travel agents.

 

Mr. Kenneth Low, Vice President, South Asia, Abacus International said Abacus was excited to be the first GDS (global distribution system) to move into the thriving low-cost carrier market in India. "With LCCs expected to double their share of the India market from their current 35% of the market to 70% by 2010, this is definitely a market we wish to lead in. We are excited by the prospects of working with Deccan to escalate their growth within Asia’s vibrant travel industry,” Mr Low said.

Last year an Abacus survey of more than 1,500 travel agents across Asia identified the growing LCC market in Asia as travel agents’ second largest concern for the future because of the potential of the LCCs to bypass travel agents.

“This pioneer partnership provides an ideal launch pad to enable Abacus-connected travel agencies to share in India’s LCC fuelled growth,” Mr Low said.

Ramki Sundaram, Officiating CEO, Deccan said the adoption of the GDS model also allows the airline to significantly expand and distribute their capabilities while keeping costs associated with it low. “The Deccan – Abacus tie up marks the first GDS adoption by an airline in the India’s LCC market space. Distribution channels are overarching to our growth strategy. We have consistently focused on exploring innovative and effective distribution channels.”

“As a result of this partnership, Deccan will now be available via more than 15,000 Abacus travel agency gateway locations,” added Mr Sundaram.

Ms Charmaine Ng, Managing Director, Abacus Distribution Systems (India) Pvt Ltd, said “As the LCC with the largest fleet and greatest number of destinations across India, Deccan needed a GDS partner to effectively support and grow their business throughout India".

Abacus is a leading GDS for air content in India. It was the first GDS to distribute fares for the state-owned Indian Airlines and premium carrier Kingfisher Airlines.

At present Deccan operates 350 flights a day to 63 destinations across India. Last year alone the airline carried over 7 million passengers representing an exponential surge in air passenger traffic. Deccan’s decision to make available its ticketing inventory through a Global Distribution Service (GDS) provider reflects the airline’s growing operations and desire to broaden its distribution network accordingly.

Deccan joins the likes of low cost carriers such as Air Asia and Jetstar Asia, in distributing fares to Abacus’ 15,000 travel agency locations in 24 markets throughout the region.

About Abacus International

Singapore-based Abacus International is the Asia-Pacific's leading travel facilitator with more than 15,000 travel agency locations in 24 markets. With 19 years of experience in fusing international best practices and local expertise with global and local partnerships, Abacus provides travel information and reservations specifically tailored to the Asia-Pacific region.

Abacus International is owned by Sabre and a consortium of Asia's leading airlines including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Dragonair, Philippine Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, SilkAir and Singapore Airlines. Sabre is the global leader in the electronic distribution of travel and travel related services.

About Deccan

 

Flying over 350 flights a day while connecting to 65 destinations, the airline presently operates a modern fleet of 44 aircraft.
Deccan flies to a number of destinations, including unconnected sectors like Hubli, Belgaum, Vijayawada, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Kanpur, Tuticorin Hampi, Kandla, Kullu, Rajahmundry and Pathankot.

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