Malaysia AirAsia Signs Distribution Deal

[Sing Yew 1]

PRESS RELEASE: Malaysia AirAsia Signs Distribution Deal

Following is a press release from Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd.

 

Kuala Lumpur, 18 January 2006 --- AirAsia, Asia's leading and largest low fare airline, is expanding its reach and distribution network by collaborating with Galileo International to have its low fares and inventory available on the Galileo GDS platform. Galileo International is a leading global distribution system (GDS), and subsidiary of Cendant Travel Distribution Services (TDS).

 

The launch of Galileo Flight Integrator is expected to boost revenue and enhance productivity for travel agents, as it provides Galileo agents with access to AirAsia's full range of fares including periodic promotional fares. In addition, the seamless web based service also empowers agents to conveniently access over 200 daily flights on AirAsia, allowing more choice and flexibility to book low fares thus rendering the Galileo Flight Integrator an attractive tool for travel agents.

 

The agreement includes AirAsia subsidiary airlines, Thailand-based Thai AirAsia and Indonesia-based Indonesia AirAsia.

 

According to Brad Holman, VP Subscriber Sales, Cendant APAC, this development is an incredibly exciting and significant agreement for Galileo in Asia and it will have far reaching implications for Galileo's broader success in the region.

 

"AirAsia is widely acknowledged as the business leader among Asian low cost carriers and its decision to make its inventory available to travel agents via our GDS is testament to the value that we provide to airlines and travel agents alike," stated Mr. Holman.

 

Mr. Holman went on to say that "We are particularly excited about this unique relationship with AirAsia, which underscores Cendant TDS's drive to deliver breakthrough partnerships and diverse product offerings matched by no one in the global travel and tourism industry."

 

Dato' Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia Berhad, announced that the airline was looking forward to the collaboration with Galileo, as it would mean more cost savings to travelers and corporations worldwide through the offering of AirAsia's fares on the Galileo Flight Integrator.

 

Kathleen Tan, Executive Vice President, Commercial of AirAsia Berhad said "AirAsia is already an established brand name in the travel industry. This partnership with Galileo International will enable us to serve an even larger and wider network of markets that has an appetite for low fares, not previously catered for. This strategic move allows us to be more accessible, and expand our sales potential into markets which we are not represented. Likewise, we also recognize that there is an integral part of the market that is served by travel agents. Our partnership with Galileo International allows us to tap into these markets to enhance awareness of our brand globally, while positioning AirAsia as a key player in the global market."

 

"We are pleased to work with a world class leader such as Galileo, in providing value-added distribution channels that engages Cendant's broad portfolio of content distribution channels as a means to expand and develop distribution channels in key markets across the region and beyond. Cendant's product offerings touch on multiple links in the travel industry from hotels, leisure travel products, consumer web sites, corporate travel management channels, and ground services for tours to name just a few," Kathleen concluded.

 

The collaboration, a first for both companies, is set to benefit Galileo subscribers in over 50,000 travel agencies worldwide, while introducing AirAsia for the first time to markets via a major and well-established distribution channel.

 

Galileo agents across the globe will be able to increase sales and grow revenue by offering AirAsia low fares extensively throughout the airline's growing route network to over 60 destinations in nine countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Macau, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) across the region.

 

Launched in 2001, AirAsia has pioneered and revolutionized air travel in Asia by providing incredibly low fares so more people can fly.

 

AirAsia joins over 32 other Low Cost Carriers around the world that are using Galileo GDS as a distribution channel.

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[S V Choong 4]

Thanks for the news bro!