ISLAMABAD: These may be uncertain times for the travel industry but that hasn’t deterred Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from making Amadeus its mainstay long-term partner in travel distribution.
Given the unprecedented challenge that the travel industry is facing, never before has distribution strategy and reach been more important for an airline. That’s why Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reached a landmark agreement in distribution with Amadeus, giving PIA full access to Amadeus’ global travel seller network. Through this new agreement, Amadeus-connected agencies will now be able to book PIA’s full suite of domestic and international inventory through the Amadeus Travel Platform.
“We’ve undertaken a significant transformation program at PIA, and now we’ve found the right distribution partner with global reach to drive our future growth. This deal brings us international presence in markets we didn’t have to date, ensuring that more travel agencies across the globe can book and sell our offer,” says Abdullah H. Khan, General Manager, Public Affairs Division, PIA.
Amadeus-connected travel agents will have full and seamless access to PIA’s flight schedules, load changes, seat maps and ancillaries, including real-time updates. With access to the most accurate booking information at their fingertips, Amadeus-affiliated travel sellers will be able to provide the best service possible to their travelers. The rich booking experience for agents and travelers alike will enable agents to drive upsell opportunities and increased revenue for PIA.
This agreement will also enable interlining possibilities for global travelers connecting with most of Pakistan’s cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar; and will add to business traffic, as domestic and global business travelers will be able to book PIA content through Amadeus-connected corporate agents.
Speaking on the occasion, PIA’s Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik says: “Especially in the current environment, when there is so much uncertainty, a strong partner like Amadeus gives us the technology and distribution capabilities we need to reach our expansion targets. We have made substantial investments to restructure our business the past year, laying the ground to capitalize on our growth potential in both domestic and international markets, and we’re excited about what our partnership with Amadeus will bring.”
“It’s an honor to be chosen as a long-term distribution partner to Pakistan International Airlines. Our cutting-edge technology and unsurpassed global distribution network are now at PIA’s service, to enable the airline to meet its business goals,” comments Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President, Airlines, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Amadeus. “At Amadeus we pride ourselves on our central principle to provide our airline partners with the most efficient and cost-effective means to reach travel sellers across the globe. At the same time, we strive to give our travel agency network access to the widest and richest range of content in order to service their travelers. Never has this been more relevant for the industry, as we continue supporting all of our customers while they navigate today’s challenging environment and prepare for the future.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has signed Amadeus as its long-term distribution partner to drive future growth.
The partnership gives PIA complete access to Amadeus’ global travel seller network. Through this new agreement, Amadeus-connected agencies would now be able to book PIA’s full suite of domestic and international inventory through the Amadeus Travel Platform, a statement said on Wednesday.
PIA CEO Arshad Malik said, “Especially in the current environment, when there is so much uncertainty, a strong partner like Amadeus gives us the technology and distribution capabilities we need to reach our expansion targets.”
