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interface for Amadeus users in the Indian subcontinent Technology that Touches Lives

e-interface Issue-1, 2013

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Page 1: e-interface Issue-1, 2013

interface for Amadeus users in the Indian subcontinent

Technology that

Touches Lives

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Published by: Marketing & Corporate CommunicationsE-9, Connaught House, Connaught PlaceNew Delhi - 110 001

Marketing & Corporate CommunicationsGraphics & Design: Sibendra Kumar SahooFor Private Circulation only

• New supporting documents solution-Agent/Audit Coupon layout update

• Baggage allowance and fees on ITR

• Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless fl ow already in production

• Enhancement to e-Ticket coupon (TTR) Printing

• Amadeus e-Support Centre for Travel agents

• Amadeus Skilling Training Enviroment

• Amadeus Automated Ticketing Limits

27 PROVIDERS • Lao Central Airlines enjoys Interactive Advanced seat

reservation and Interactive seat map

• Air Onix enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat Reservation and Interactive Seat Map

• JSC BEK AIR enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Amadeus launches EMD Functionality with Finnair

• Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic Availability

• Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Rotana Jet enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

• Joint Promotions

31 GLOBAL NEWS • Amadeus launches mobile booking app & new UI for

corporate travel

• Amadeus launches industry fi rst solution making fl ight search

• BA becomes the fi rst airline to sign Amadeus’ new revenue accounting solution

• Amadeus extends agreement with FCm Travel Solutions

3 INDUSTRY SPEAK • Outlook 2013 - Expect a mixed bag on

the Tourism Front

• What the press has to say

7 EVENTS• Amadeus honoured with ‘Superbrand 2011-12’

• Experience Rajpath Tour

• Amadeus Product Roadshow 2012 organised in North India

• ‘Like’ us at Amadeus South Asia

• Running for Charity: Uniting for A Cause

• Bird Group sponsors CAPA India Aviation Summit 2012

• Training session organized in Chittagong and Sylhet

• Spotted: Karan Johar@Bally store in Emporio

• BWFS celebrates 4th year completion success party

• Amadeus and Finnair introduce EMD functionality in India

• Bird Hospitality Services launches ‘Club Fledge’ for kids

• Bally unveils Autumn / Winter collection 2012

• Another feather in the cap

• Bird Segway participates at Max Bupa Walkathon

• Bollywood Stars at iSkate

17 PRODUCT+ • ALaunch of EMD Functionality in India

• Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile companion

• Amadeus Sell connect

• Hotel Plus Multisource

• Amadeus Ticket Changer now available for more airlines

• Evolution in the fare calculation amendment

ContentsIssue 1, January 2013

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2013 : The Next Generation of Travel2012 has been a big year. The end-of-year

means different things to different people. For some it is the start of the holiday season. For others it is no different to any other time of the year. However, for all of us it means another calendar year has passed; another milestone in our journey has been reached. As always, I am proud to be associated with this dynamic industry and Amadeus strives to continue playing a key role in furthering the industry’s interests.

One of the consistent themes running through travel trends outlook for 2013 is the increased level of consumer-influenced technology available to the traveler. For travelers, 2013 will be about developing instant, relevant and bookable services. Access to multi-channel booking, whether it is through web, smartphone, tablet or other channels, will bring the traveler back to the heart of managed travel.

Five years ago, during the first wave of smartphones, the travel industry could not have anticipated the kind of effect posting, liking, picture-taking, video-ing, re-pinning and sharing, would have on how consumers experience their journeys. Today, one need not fret on where to buy the best postcard – tweeting a picture or simply sharing one on Instagram drives the “Wish You Were Here!” message more effectively.

The Indian online market will grow steadily through 2013 as more Indian consumers enter the travel market and existing Indian travelers continue to migrate from offline to online channels. An extensive and highly competitive network of airlines (including LCCs) and an expansive railway (the state-owned Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation or IRCTC) are key drivers of online bookings.

One of the key factors driving travel demand in Asia is the rise of large, relatively well-off

middle classes in the region. Asia-Pacific is set to continue to lead as the world’s fastest growing travel region in 2013, reaching US$357 billion, a 64 percent increase over 2009, according to a study released by industry research authority, PhoCusWright.

In September, the government had allowed foreign carriers to invest up to 49 per cent in Indian airlines. With FDI coming in, there could be a steep rise in capacity of more airlines and carriers. However, this will only happen with rapid upgradation of airport infrastructure. Also, regional aviation needs to be promoted aggressively.

Other travel trends in 2013 include: Ancillary fees on top of fares and rates being watched closely by travel managers in all areas of the program (air, hotel and ground transportation) and leveraged in negotiations. Companies will now increasingly focus on expense management to improve data consolidation and the user experience.

Low-cost carriers will gain more ground in the travel program as new entrants open up opportunities, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Lastly, joint agreements are in the air, with airline alliances examining ways to extend membership to low-cost and “hybrid” carriers.

The New Year will bring its own mix of successes and challenges, but our direction is clear and we know what we must do.

I wish each one of you and your families a very Happy New Year 2013 and hope that this year is a brighter and better one for all of us.

Tidingsfrom Managing Director’s desk

Ankur BhatiaManaging DirectorAmadeus Indian subcontinent

The Indian online market will grow steadily through 2013 as more Indian consumers enter the travel market and existing Indian travelers continue to migrate from offline to online channels.

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Outlook 2013 - Expect a Mixed Bag on the Tourism Front

What the press has to say

Industry SpeakAviation news

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The New Year will continue to be perplexed by the core issues of high costs, both for the passengers and the airlines, and while on the one hand more airlines are wishing to come in.

As we enter the New Year, 2013, many in the tourism industry would be wishing to greet each other with a ‘Happy New Year’ and there are indications that while some may be right, others will only wish that it were true.

Yes, the tourism industry continues to be in a turbulent, uncertain mood, with perhaps an equal number of optimists and pessimists, seeing the proverbial glass half full or half empty. Also, it depends on what part of the elephant one is touching—the tail or the trunk and which section of the industry you belong to.

but, clearly, one thing is clear—there is need for abundant caution and concern, be it on the crucial cost factors or infrastructure issues, not to mention the always in news aviation sector.

2012 saw many hiccups and pitfalls on the tourism and aviation front, no doubt led by Air India and Kingfisher but many industry leaders feel that at least some of the steps taken in recent months would have a positive impact in 2013. For example, a keen observer and player, Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group, and Chairman of CII’s core committee on growth potential of civil aviation and airports, feels that “2013 looks bright as growth is projected with the increase expected in passenger demand and traffic. There could be a steep rise in capacity if the FDI that is now allowed in airlines comes and more carriers come in. but he is quick to add that this will only happen if the infrastructure improves. FDI will flow in only if this is done.

The New Year will continue to be perplexed by the core issues of high costs, both for the passengers and the airlines, and while on the one hand more airlines are wishing to come in, some others are walking out because of cost-related factors. Clearly, the fall in domestic air traffic is not helping matters, even as many airports have been modernized.”

Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC group and President, Indian Association of Tour Operators, says “I am confident 2013 augurs

well for Indian tourism.” elaborating, he explains that reforms in retail, insurance and aviation are giving positive indications for the business scene and helping in sustaining the growth momentum of the economy. This will boost the image of India and in turn bring more tourists, goes the argument. He notes that airports have been modernized and Air India is being revamped. He expects more flights to come in 2013 from Brazil, Canada and South Africa, among others. Occupancies in hotels will improve in the first quarter of 2013, he says, quoting other stakeholders. There is consumer confidence and the over 20 road shows organized by IATO and the proactive role of the Ministry of Tourism in the traffic-generating markets will see impact in 2013.

Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels, which has seen a rapid expansion in recent years, says that “We expect 2013 to be a year when ReVPAR - revenue per available room - of hotels will improve. Mid-market hotels will do well, he predicts, adding that as far as his Sarovar Hotels are concerned, an eight to 10 per cent growth is expected in towline hotels.

He notes that the tourism companies have been taking a proactive role and expects the online ticket booking and offering of tourism packages to continue in the New Year. Tourism packages and services should be so enlarged that tourism is not localized to few segments.

Rajeev Kohli, joint Managing Director, Creative Travels, and an IATO office bearer,

Outlook 2013 - Expect aMixed Bag on the Tourism Front

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perhaps representing the younger generation of stakeholders, says that “Inbound season is a bit fickle. Some markets are doing well whereas others are not. I do not think we have a lot to celebrate about as yet. The european recession is getting worse and if the situation in our key source markets does not improve soon, we will get even more impacted. I do not think this season will be much better than the last.”

Interestingly, the articulate Kohli notes that there are no real market trends for 2013. ‘All markets are behaving differently and even our core markets are turning out to be erratic.’

He feels that India should develop quality segment for our short haul source markets.

At present, we generally get low paying

tourists from Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia, among other nations. In 2013 and beyond, India should focus on providing experience and activities, rather than speak only of the clichéd sales pitch of culture.

Giving another interesting angle to the outlook issue, Kohli predicts that when the situation in the West improves, tourists will come back, as the best way to celebrate is travel.

Lajpat Rai, President, Lotus Travels, is pointed in his comments, saying that ‘2013 looks great’, and notes that coming down of package costs will help matters. He, however, wants more flights in the Buddhist sector, especially to Gaya.

Rajendera Kumar, Director, The Ambassador Hotel New Delhi, a past president of FHRAI, notes that the trend of domestic and international tourists wanting value for money will continue in 2013 and the hospitality industry should be geared for this.

Giving some practical advice from experience, Rajendera Kumar says that the hotels should give more attention to upkeep and maintenance of the properties. He feels that mid scale hotels like Fortune, will continue to do well. He sees a greater trend towards branding in 2013, as he feels that more and more clients prefer hotels which are aligned with a brand.

Rajeev Verma, Director, Lawrence Travels, perhaps echoing the feeling of hundred of other agents, feels that 2013 will see greater focus on Service Tax matters, which, he says, is harming the industry in many ways.

Another interesting point Verma, who is big in train and domestic tourism and was once a hotelier, makes is that in 2013 more agents will have to invest in net if they have to survive.

If Indian agents can sell directly to the foreign clients, it will help greatly. He would also like the tourism insurance issue - so important abroad - to be taken up seriously.

Verma has a word of caution for 2013, “in Delhi, as the inventory rises, when the Aerocity hotels come up, the package rates and hotel tariffs will see a major change.”

So, all in all, we do see mixed responses/ views from the industry stalwarts towards the year 2013. There are seen to be both positive as well as negative trends in the market. With all the hopes for a positive year ahead, we can only wait and watch how actually the new year shapes up.

At present, we generally get low

paying tourists from Thailand,

Taiwan and Malaysia, among

other nations. In 2013 and

beyond, India should focus on providing

experience and activities, rather than speak only

of the clichéd sales pitch of

culture.

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What the press has to say

INDUSTRY SPeAK

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Amadeus honoured with ‘Superbrand 2011-12’

Experience Rajpath Tour

Amadeus Product Roadshow 2012 organised in North India

‘Like’ us at Amadeus South Asia

Running for Charity: Uniting for A Cause

Bird Group sponsors CAPA India Aviation Summit 2012

Training session organized in Chittagong and Sylhet

Spotted: Karan Johar@Bally store in Emporio

BWFS celebrates 4th year completion success party

Amadeus and Finnair introduce EMD functionality in India

Bird Hospitality Services launches ‘Club Fledge’ for kids

Bally unveils Autumn / Winter collection 2012

Another feather in the cap

Bird Segway participates at Max Bupa Walkathon

Bollywood Stars at iSkate

EventsAcross Amadeus Indian subcontinent

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Amadeus has been awarded the distinction of a Superbrand for the fourth consecutive time. Superbrands is a global organisation dedicated to recognise, showcase and pay tribute to the best brands in each country.

To mark the launch of the 4th edition of Superbrands 2012, the committee organised an event over cocktails and dinners, on 06th December 2012, at The Grand, Vasant Kunj. Ankur bhatia received this award from Chief guest, Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs.

Amadeus forms a very exclusive group of winners selected by an independent Superbrands Council comprising of India’s most eminent professionals from the corporate sector.

A big congratulations to Team Amadeus for contributing towards this achievement.

Amadeus honoured with ‘Superbrand 2011-12’

Whether you’re new to New Delhi or can already recite every word to “Incredible India”, this tour has something for you!

Segway Tour, a unit of bird Hospitality Services, brings the world-famous tours to the nation’s Capital City – New Delhi. Tour begins with a personalized Segway safety orientation and training session. Segway Tour offers you the complete experience: a great orientation, heaps of fascinating stories, fantastic photo-ops, superb personal service from your guide, an opportunity to ride the coolest machine in the world, and more!

A group of Tour Supervisor and Marshals receive the tourists at the parking lot opposite to South block; instructing them with 10-15 minutes of training on various functions of Segway Personal Transporter (PT).each tourist is provided with a helmet (compulsory) and additional safety gears like elbow and knee pads guaranteeing an optimal tour experience.

Post this training; the group will be led by Tour Supervisors. 2 Marshals will start gliding towards the Secretariat. From here onwards, the group proceeds towards the Parliament building by taking a left turn on Vijay Chowk.The group will then proceed towards India Gate on Vijay Chowk, enjoying the serene beauty of various ministry buildings en-route, crossing various intersections and and stopover for photo-ops with India Gate and Amar Jawan Jyoti in the backdrop. The group proceeds backwards on Rajpath towards Vijay Chowk and take a left turn to reach the parking lot, where the tour had originally begun. Tour ends here with a memorable Segway experience. Guests can shop for beautiful souvenirs from the retail outlet at the start/end point.

To purchase tour tickets call at +91- 124 4610666 / 0124 3322052 / 85275 94149

For more information write to [email protected] or visit online www.segwaytour.in

Experience Rajpath TourIncredible India. On Incredible new wheels.

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After a successful series of Product Roadshows in the South, east and West Zones over a period of last few months, Amadeus India kick-started in the North Zone beginning with Chandigarh and Jalandhar. Products team showcased its range of new products and solutions, at Hometel Chandigarh and Hotel M1, Jalandhar.

After a kick start in Chandigarh, our team geared up for its show in Jaipur and Jalandhar on 24th and 31st August 2012, supported by respective station representatives. The fourth Product Road Show for the Northern region ended with an overwhelming response in Lucknow on 29th September 2012. The event began with presentations followed by a Q&A session.

Over the last couple of months our Facebook page has undergone some dramatic changes. And we are really excited to reveal our new identity – so it’s out with old and in with new!

During the next few days and weeks you will start to see our new Amadeus South Asia Facebook page filtering through all our communications and social networks. We’re planning to do lots more to the new page but in the mean time we would love to hear what you think – so like us, check out latest promotions, updates and contests!

Welcome to Amadeus South Asia Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AmadeusSouthAsia

We’ve Moved On To a Better Place! ‘Like’ us at Amadeus South Asia

Amadeus Product Roadshows 2012 organised in North India

The guest list comprised of Amadeus clients in respective regions. The focus was on showcasing the latest technology solutions and products offered by Amadeus to their customers. Travel agents across all these cities found the event to be very useful and went back well-versed with the new products that were showcased.

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World over, in addition to being an expression of joy, marathons have also become a platform to raise awareness about various social causes. Individuals and corporate houses run the roads with enthusiastic fervour, to express solidarity towards a cause close to their hearts. The Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) 2012 is one such event where every year individuals, organizations and institutions have come forward and pledged their participation to a cause or charity of their choice. bird Group has effectively utilized the ADHM platform to espouse a ‘cause’ associated with the NGO Sukarya.

Running for Charity: Uniting for A Cause

Various creative collaterals in the form of banners, posters, lollipops etc. were designed around it to generate maximum awareness. Along with the executive Director, bird Group, Ankur bhatia 160 participants representing the group, sporting bird Group branded T-shirts and caps ran for the corporate challenge. There was also a huge gung-ho about Gul Panag, Rahul bose and bipasha basu, the celebrity attractions for the day, who came to cheer the participants. The Great Delhi Run started from bhishmah Pitamah Marg at 8:30 am and challengers ran in support of the cause close to their hearts.

In order to reconnect world industry leaders with investment opportunities in the Indian aviation industry, the CAPA (Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation) India Aviation Summit 2012 was organised at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai on October 30 and 31. bird Group was one of the sponsors for this event which provided opportunity for aviation businesses from around the world to position themselves in front of key decision makers. The two-day summit was attended by over 200 aviation experts from across the world, and was inaugurated by Peter Harbison, executive Chairman, CAPA.

Bird Group sponsors CAPA India Aviation Summit 2012

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bird Worldwide Flight Services India Private Limited (bWFS) has very successfully completed its 4th year operations in Delhi as the leading private ground handling service provider. Since its inception, bWFS has experienced fast growth, worked across different domains and established its presence at Delhi and Cochin airports respectively. On this occasion, the company had organized a fun-filled evening at bluO, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi to award its committed team who has aligned their thoughts with the company. The guest list included various members from Delhi Airport,

Training session organized in Chittagong and Sylhet

A week-long training session of Amadeus basic and ticketing was organized for TRIP GO TRIP.COM. The training was facilitated locally by Kalyan Raman from Coimbatore. A total 20 participants took part in this training session. The participants rated this session as an eye-opener thereby helping them to serve clients better.

BWFS celebrates 4th year completion success party Customer Airlines, DGCS, bCAS,CISF, AAI, ATC, Customs, Immigration, vendors and well-wishers from the aviation industry. Guests competed to rack up the most points in their bowling games, snacked on starters, and later enjoyed a multicuisine meal dished out.

Spotted: Karan Johar@Bally store in EmporioThe world’s most fashionable all-night party was back for

the fourth time. From Manhattan to Moscow and everywhere in between, Vogue’s Fashion Night Out is the one event that brings together designers, stars, celebrities and, ofcourse, shoppers. In its 4th installment Vogue’s Fashion Night Out took place at DLF emporio, Delhi. bollywood newcomer Alia bhatt attended the event with Karan Johar. Amongst the attendees were designers Manish Malhotra, Anand bhushan, Arjun Saluja, Anupama Dayal and catwalk favourite Indrani Dasgupta.At the Vogue Fashion Night Out, Karan Johar was spotted receiving a bally hamper from Fashion Features Director,Vogue,bandana Tewari.

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bird Hospitality Services (bHS) has introduced a new entertainment concept for kids between 3 and 10 years called as “Club Fledge” at iSKATe. The key attraction of the zone is a rink with trainers to guide the children. Club Fledge has an in-house library housing educational tools, activity books,

Amadeus has become the first Global Distribution System provider to launch electronic Miscellaneous Document (eMD) functionality with Finnair in India. To mark the partnership a special evening was hosted for the travel fraternity on the 23rd November 2012 at iSKATe. A special presentation on the topic was given by the Products team followed by a Q & A session.

eMD allows Finnair to increase its reach and deliver greater choices by offering seamless selling of ancillary services to travel agencies in India. eMD is an electronic record used to capture data about a sale and track its usage. The functionality is issued as an accountable document for a payment received (e.g. reservation change fee, date change penalty, excess baggage, etc.) and as a credit note or voucher (e.g. residual value/compensation) and settled just like standard e-tickets using

Amadeus and Finnair introduce EMD functionality in India

existing settlement plans from bSP India. Since the functionality will be fully integrated in the Amadeus system, it will offer a single view in the PNR with automatic reporting in the bSP sales report as well as back office systems via the Amadeus Interface Record.

Commenting on the launch, Rakesh bansal, CeO, Amadeus India said, “Amadeus has constantly been working towards offering innovative solutions to its travel agency partners to improve productivity at the counter staff level as well as maximising revenue opportunities. We are proud to launch the eMD functionality with Finnair for travel agencies in India. This functionality will help travel agencies sell ancillary services on Finnair and the same can be accounted for via the bSP in India. In addition, it will help Finnair enhance its offering and customer service with increased revenue streams from ancillary services.”

Bird Hospitality Services launches ‘Club Fledge’ for kids

puzzles, and coloring sheets. It also offers lunch, dinner, and meals when required. The zone also has an in-house medical room.

Club Fledge is a one-of-its kind experience for younger children. It is a contemporary, urban recreation and learning facility where children can do something constructive while having fun.

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Max bupa Health Insurance organised Walk for Health, an initiative to encourage

A special evening hosted by jewellery designer Saba Ali Khan and Ankur bhatia, executive Director, bird Group, at the bally store in New Delhi brought together celebs from different walks of life. Couture designer JJ Vallaya along with actors Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu were present at the event. bally, the famous Swiss fashion brand, recently hosted a special showcase of their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection at DLF emporio. The event was held to celebrate the onset of the festive season and Diwali. For its Autumn/Winter 2012 ready-to-wear collection, bally captures the romance of a high-life lived around the world in dazzling locations with exacting standards.

Bally unveils Autumn/Winter collection 2012

Bird Segway participates at Max Bupa Walkathon

Another feather in the capAmadeus India has been adjudged as the ‘best Travel Technology

Company’ at this year’s brands Academy World Travel Awards conducted by Brands Academy and NDTV Profit. Brands Academy is one of India’s premier brand management consultancies in India. Rakesh bansal, CeO received this award on behalf of Amadeus India from Chief Guest Prahlad Kakkar, one of India’s leading ad film director.

The ceremony took place on 15th Dec 2012 at Radisson blu, Dwarka. Some of the best brands in hospitality, travel and tourism industries including Taj hotels, Leela hotels, Radisson hotels, Thomas Cook, Fern Hotels etc and other b2b providers were felicitated during this function.

people to build more walking into their daily routine. Walk For Health was organized simultaneously across Mumbai, bangalore and Delhi. The atmosphere was exhilarating, with walkers from all quarters arriving at the venue to show solidarity for the cause of walking.The toon parade present at the venue added to the spirit of the morning.

bird Segway participated in this event and celebrities like tv actor Hussain Kuwajerwala, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, Bollywood actress Nafisa Ali were seen riding the Segway. besides the bevy of renowned personalities, participants from all age were excited after taking a ride on a Segway.

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The Tiger at iSKATESuperstar Salman Khan was present at iSKATe

on 11th August 2012 to promote his movie ‘ek Tha Tiger’. The huge fan following that the superstar enjoys, had brought people in hordes to get a glimpse of their favourite actor. iSKATe was brimming with people and this situation could be attributed to the over-enthusiasm among the fans. Most of the invitees had their friends and families tagged along. Salman Khan dressed in his usual style casual shirt & jeans was completely engrossed answering media questions. He also posed with children present at iSKATe and signed autographs.

Shirin Farhad Hangout with their Fans

bird Group/Amadeus India hosted a Press conference for the romantic comedy ‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ at iSKATe with bollywood stars Farah Khan & boman Irani.

‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’ is a story about Farhad Pastakiya (boman), a 45-year-old Parsi bachelor working as a lingerie salesman, who falls in love with Shirin Fugawala (Farah), 40-year-old, bubbly and straight forward woman. The ‘hatke’ couple enjoyed the evening as they were amazed with some really hilarious questions by their fans. boman was at his witty best as he pulled Farah’s leg talking about her diet plans.

StarGaze : Kareena Kapoor promotes Heroine at iSKATE

bird Group/Amadeus India hosted a press conference as part of the movie promotions for “Heroine” at iSKATe. The movie depicts the life of a heroine in bollywood. It depicts the challenges and the triumphs, the despair and the glory in the life of a diva. Actress Kareena Kapoor looked radiant in a summery dress at the promotion of her upcoming film ‘Heroine’ bollywood Director Madhur bhandarkar and Kareena Kapoor were present at iSKATe to have an informal session with the media. The stars happily gave away their autographs to the fans present and later were joined by Ankur bhatia.

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Bollywood Stars at iSKATE

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Don’t Worry Be Barfi!bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor - and his co-

stars Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D’Cruz were present at iSKATE to promote their new film Barfi, which released in theatres last Friday. Accompanying them were music composer Pritam Chakraborty and director Anurag basu . A crowd of over a thousand people were seen hooting, whistling and screaming the names of Priyanka and Ranbir as they entered Ambience Mall in Gurgaon to meet their fans. While girls couldn’t stop staring at Ranbir, boys were seen shouting Priyanka’s name. A parallel contest was also run on Facebook “Don’t Worry Be Barfi” where fans posted pictures of themselves imitating funny expressions of Ranbir Kapoor. Thousands of entries were received for this competition which was a huge success. Winners of this contest were present there at the venue and had the opportunity to get clicked with the stars.

School visit organised at iSKATE

A fun-filled skating session was organised at iSKATe for the children of Ambience School, Gurgaon. The kids all had fun, even though most of them were pretty unsteady on skates. Many had never tried skating before, some had been before, some could skate already, but all had one thing in common & that was to have fun. Positive feedback from parents & kids, confirms again, that iSKATE, provides world class infrastructure for ice/ figure skaters and budding professionals across India.

Luv Shuv and Skating with actor Kunal Kapoor!

bollywood actors Kunal Kapoor and Huma Qureshi alongwith ace Director Anurag Kashyap were present at iSKATe to promote their movie Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana.The movie is about the frantic search for a much-coveted recipe for chicken curry. Directed by debutant Sameer Sharma it has been pitched as Bollywood’s first food film.

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Bollywood Stars at iSKATE

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Launch of EMD Functionality in India

Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile companion

Amadeus Sell connect

Hotel Plus Multisource

Amadeus Ticket Changer now available for more airlines

Evolution in the fare calculation amendment

New supporting documents solution-Agent/Audit Coupon layout update

Baggage allowance and fees on ITR

Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless flow already in production

Enhancement to e-Ticket coupon (TTR) Printing

Amadeus e-Support Centre for Travel agents

Amadeus Skilling Training Enviroment

Amadeus Automated Ticketing Limits

Product+for better efficiency

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Launch of EMD Functionality in India

amadeus becomes the 1st GDs in India to launch electronic Miscellaneous Document (eMD) functionality.both IaTa and aRC have set the target of 100% global implementation of the new electronic Miscellaneous Document (eMD) by the end of 2013.

as the industry continues it’s evolution to a paperless environment, amadeus is working closely with all of its travel agency partners to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the new electronic technology.

What is EMD?EMD is an electronic record used to capture data about a sale and track its usage. Issued as accountable document for:

l a payment received (e.g. Reservation Change Fee, Date Change Penalty).

l a payment made for a service that will be provided at a different point in time (e.g. excess baggage).

l as a credit note/voucher (e.g. residual value/compensation).eMD is a replacement for accountable

paper documents including MCo, MPD, Manual excess baggage Ticket and interim virtual documents In India, amadeus is launching eMD with Finnair.

Amadeus becomes the 1st GDS in India to launch Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) functionality.

Key Features:l a single standardized method to issue all

airline services, replacing the automated MCo, amadeus Virtual MCo & IaTa Virtual MPD.

l High product flexibility; allowing for f u l l customization according to any market specifications or local constraints.

l Fully integrated in the amadeus system, offering a one-stop view in the PNR, with automatic reporting in the sales report and back-office system via the Amadeus Interface Record.

l Real-time and secured information through out the whole eMD cycle.

Key Benefits:l The same workflow as for the existing

automated/virtual MCo means minimal impact to existing business practices.

l Improved customer service with technology (no paper to lose, time-saving for passenger).

l enhanced functionality such as interlining, multi-coupon documentation, e-ticket association.

l environmentally friendly.

For more Information contact: amadeus India Products & solutions, [email protected] or Call our toll free 1800 111 200.

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Amadeus CheckMyTrip Mobile Companionl The other way of accessing amadeus

CheckMyTrip with a mobile is through CheckMyTrip Mobile Companion

l You can download the amadeus Check MyTrip application on your mobile (http://www.checkmytrip.com/mc)

lonce you have installed this application on your mobile device you can use it any time you travel, with or without internet connection

l Flight Details

l aircraft Type

l booking Class

For more Information contact: amadeus India Products & solutions, [email protected] or Call our toll free number 1800 111 200

Amadeus Sell Connectaccessible anytime anywhere through Internet. all the features, functionality and content at your finger tips.

Tailored ApproachAgency specific customisation for a tailored fit that matches your business objectives.

Cryptic Magicspeed and power of cryptic commands married with a rich graphical display regardless of the GDs language.

Productivity Suite/ Booking FileIt drives efficiency and quality, productivity gains and cost saving.

l Distance

l Duration

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interface P R o D U C T +PRoDUCT +interface PRoDUCT +

Introduction The amadeus Hotels Plus (GDs and non-

GDs), an optional module integrated into amadeus selling Platform. This explains how to use amadeus Hotels Plus from an end-user point of view.

AudienceThis is intended for travel agents who use

amadeus Hotels Plus.

Features

l all Hotel Content –both GDs & Non GDs is saleable in amadeus selling Platform

l Pictures Galleries, marketing text, auto Completion for speedier searches

l Non GDs results displayed in a separate window

l saved Hotel for “Most- used” searches; immediate booking confirmation

l Comparison of Hotels for faster choice; prepaid rates & indicator with best available Rate Indicator

l Different forms of payment supported ( ex Credit line, Credit Card, bank Transfer etc.)

l auto Proposal e-mails for great service; Hotel Voucher issuance!

l Online customer identification / registration to aggregators like DoTw. Transhotel, HRs & adding many more aggregators

l You can find photos, pictures, Maps, detailed descriptive information

l easy Navigation & no entries to learn

Hotels Plus Multisource

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Amadeus Ticket Changer available for more airlinesautomated Penalty Collection is available

with following airlines - 9w,aa,aY,aZ,ba,Ca,CI,eY,KC,lY,MH,MI,MU,MJ,oZ,sV,sU,s2,aI,eK,TG,lH,sQ,QR,Ul,wY,KQ,lX,QF,PG,CZ,Us,NZ,VN,sK,sa,CX,Ka,Ms, oK,Ke,aF,Kl,Dl,MK.

Re-Iterating Key Features The aTC entries (FXF/FXQ/FXo/FXe) can be

used to re-issue e-Tickets on a wide range of carriers who file the fare penalty via ATPCO CaT 16 above the NoTe section in fare rules.

The aTC entries automatically generate an applicable penalty fee (only single tax code) into the TsT as a tax code, Q surcharge, additional amount etc. based on each participating local airline policy.

Evolution in the fare calculation - amendment

New supporting documents solution - Agent/Audit Coupon layout updateOverview:

Overview: Today, when trying to issue a ticket, even

with tickets containing less than 60 taxes, agents may be rejected at issuance time with an error message indicating “Fare calculation too long ticket manually”.

Thanks to the new enhancement the Fare calculation area could support up to 350 character

*Note that maximum number of taxes for an e-ticket is still 60 and for the Airlines which support breakdown of taxes

Following the requests from different markets, it has been decided to enhance the agent Coupon and audit Coupon generic layouts in order to fit with market needs.

2 enhancements will be added on the agent/audit Coupon layouts on December, 10th.

Key featuresFare and total amounts no longer concealed in case of IT or BT ticket.

as the agent and audit coupons are documents kept by the travel agency, there is no need to conceal fare and total amounts in case of IT or bT tickets.

Fare, total and grand total amounts will be printed instead of “IT” or “bT” mention.

Moreover, the mention “IT” or “bT” will be printed on the Remittance area.

Please note that the Credit Card Charge Form layout is not modified: fare and total amounts are still concealed on CCCF in case of IT or bT ticket.

PRoDUCT +

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Baggage allowance and fees on ITR

amadeus will now include the baggage policy information on e-Ticket Receipt (ITR) as validated by Us Department of Transportation (UsDoT).

Key features:l FXP: Modified to price the itinerary and the

credit card fees.l FXG: will be made available in Tla to price

the ancillary services and the credit card fees.

Amadeus Ticketless Access move towards a more seamless flow already in production

l FXX: will be made available in Tla for informative itinerary pricing.

l FXH: will be made available in Tla for informative ancillary service pricing.

Key Features:

• Passengers travelling to/from and within the Us are provided with details of the baggage policies applicable for their itinerary.

• These baggage policies are displayed on the e-ticket receipt (ITR) including detailed information about the number of pieces allowed, together with the weight and dimensions.

Key Benefits:

• Passengers can now readily view the relevant baggage policies for their itineraries to/from within the Us on their e-ticket.

• This helps in reducing customer complaints resulting from a lack of available baggage allowance information prior to check in.

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e-Support Centre Smart tab deployed on ASP

Enhancement to e-Ticket coupon (TTR) PrintingContributing to the world for a better environment by preserving our global biodiversity, amadeus has enhanced the functionality of Printing e ticket coupons selectively.

Key Features:

l User now can choose to avoid printing both audit and agent coupons while issuing e-Tickets.

l User now can give an override option of

selective coupon printing while issuing e-Tickets.

Amadeus e-Support Centre for Travel agents

Amadeus brings you the state of the art self-sufficiency tool and knowledge base access for instant results at the click of the mouse. The amadeus e-support centre now comes with a complete new look and more fascinating features.

Key Benefits:l Instant query and solution handling 24x7

online with relevant cases & examples.

l Remarkably reduced turnaround time for travel agents between their queries and our responses.

l Database consists of more than 5,000 solutions….

l New scenarios added & updated to the database regularly.

l an online self-paced, self-help search just like Google search at no extra cost

Key Features:l easy to access from amadeus selling

Platform via smart tab; No separate log-ins credentials needed.

l search the wide range of learning and support content using the quick single search function.

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Amadeus Skilling Training Environment

Please be informed that effective 01Jan 2013, you can no longer access training mode by typing JJ followed by your sign in on the asP production URl http://amadeusvista.com

amadeus Training (sKl) is replacing Practice Training to become the sole dedicated training environment.

To access amadeus training, you need to access the url: • http://training.amadeusvista.com ( if you

are connected to the internet)• http://training.1a.amadeusvista.com (if

your connected to the amadeus Network)

Key Features that differentiate SKL from Practice Training: • System date in SKL will be a past date• Functionalities available will be same as

production• Data available in SKL system is taken from

production but is not current data, it could be up to a couple of months old

• Fares data in SKL is upto 3 months old• Sign in passwords are not the same for SKL

Key Benefi ts: • The added benefi ts of the migration to

amadeus Training are increased security and the ability to deliver training on amadeus Products

It is strongly recommended that all training activities are carried out on amadeus Training (sKl) with immediate effect.

For further information please be in touch

with your nearest Amadeus offi ce.

Amadeus Automated Ticketing Limits

amadeus is pleased to announce enhancements to the automated Ticketing limits product.

For altéa carriers implemented with single PNR, aTl can now apply on operating code share fl ights segments.

For all aTl airline customers, the new aTl extension rule enables to postpone automatically oPCs in case of emergency situation (Typhoon, earthquake, strike...).

airlines can now also choose to re-apply a ticketing time limit after void / refund of the e-ticket.

Key Benefi ts:• The airline can extend its ticketing time

limit policy on its operating codeshare fl ights.

• The ATL extension rule enables the airline to ease the TTL policy for specifi c point of sale or on a global scale.

• The extension of TTL can be set and triggered in advance or instantly according to the business and market contexts.

• The airline can prevent the agent’s use of ticket void in an attempt to bypass the cancellation.

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Amadeus stays as the uncontested leaderWinner of Superbrands award for the last three consecutive years; twice awarded as the ‘Best GDS’ by TAAI; and the recent recipient of ‘Times Travel 2011’ award in the category of ‘Best Backend System’.

Amadeus key advantages & USPs

• Highest number of System User Airlines (over 150)

• Only GDS to have integrated content in Amadeus PNRs from 3rd party

• Unique solution to sell LCC content through ‘Booking Builder’

• First to launch mobile solution in India through Mobile Selling Platform

• Largest number of saleable airlines

• Largest number of saleable hotel properties with highest number of Best Available Rate

• First GDS to launch solution for corporates to track their employees through Amadeus One Click

To learn more about how the world’s best travel technology provider can help your business succeed, call us on our 24x7 help line on 1800 111 200 or visit us at www.amadeus.in

Wins all the way Awards and accolades

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Lao Central Airlines enjoys Interactive Advanced seat reservation and Interactive seat map

Air Onix enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat Reservation and Interactive Seat Map

JSC BEK AIR enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Amadeus launches EMD Functionality with Finnair

Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic Availability

Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Rotana Jet enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

Joint Promotions

ProvidersAirline news & Joint promotions

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Airline News

PROVIDeRS

Lao Central Airlines enjoys Interactive Advanced seat reservation and Interactive seat map

We are pleased to announce that Lao Central Airlines (LF) has been successfully implemented on Interactive advanced seat reservation and Interactive seat map.

Interactive advance seat reservation immediately confirms or rejects the seat number(s) reserved. Interactive seat map provides with up-to-date displays in a common amadeus format.

For more information please refer to GGPCLF.

Air Onix enjoys Amadeus Access Sell We are pleased to announce that Air Onix

(OG) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCAOG.

Air Italy enjoys Interactive Advanced Seat Reservation and Interactive Seat Map

We are pleased to announce that Air Italy (I9) has been successfully implemented on Interactive advanced seat reservation and Interactive seat map.

Interactive advance seat reservation immediately confirms or rejects the seat number(s) reserved. Interactive seat map provides with up-to-date displays in a common amadeus format.

For more information please refer to GGPCI9.

JSC BEK AIR enjoys Amadeus Access Sell We are pleased to announce that JSC bek

Air (Z9) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCAZ9.

Amadeus launches EMD Functionality with Finnair

We are pleased to share with you that Amadeus is the first GDS in India to launch eMD functionality. Amadeus is launching eMD with Finnair (AY).

eMD is a single standardized method to issue all airline services, replacing automated MCO, Amadeus virtual MCO &IATA virtual MPD.

For more information please contact Amadeus Helpdesk.

Astra Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

We are pleased to announce that Astra Airlines (A2) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

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Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCAA2.

BMI Regional enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

We are pleased to announce that bMI Regional (bM) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCAbM.

Air China enjoys Amadeus Dynamic Availability

We are pleased to announce that Air China (CA) was successfully implemented in amadeus dynamic availability.

Amadeus dynamic availability provides a real-time seamless availability from the participant system.

For more information, please refer to GGPCACA.

Jetstar Japan enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

We are pleased to announce that Jetstar Japan (GK) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCAGK.

Lao Central Airlines enjoys Amadeus Access Sell

We are pleased to announce that Lao Central Airlines (LF) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCALF.

Rotana Jet enjoys Amadeus Access Sell We are pleased to announce that Rotana

Jet(RG) has been successfully implemented on Amadeus access sell.

Amadeus access sell provides immediate segment confirmation (HK) and a full secure sell reporting to the airline’s inventory system.

For more information please refer to GGPCARG.

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Amadeus and Air India held an exciting Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in India. The agents had to contribute 10% and 20% additional segments in comparison to the average productivity of the months of Mar’12-May’12 using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to Amadeus. The Validity of the promotion was from 23rd Jul’12 to 10th Sep’12. Promotion applied to all Air India flights on domestic network only. Lucky winners (to be identified soon) will get electronic gadgets, travel tickets, hotel accommodation and a Tata Nano car as the bumper prize.

Joint Promotions

Amadeus and Jet Airways held an exciting Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in Karnataka. The agent had to sell selected flights using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to Amadeus. The Validity of the promotion was from 15th Jul’12 to 15th Sep’12. Lucky winners won gift vouchers, hotel accommodation in HYD and airline tickets as the bumper prize. Please find below list of Winners:

1. LeIbIZ TRAVeL SeRVICeS (IXe)2. RAMDeV INTeRNATIONAL (IXe)3. RAMDeV INTeRNATIONAL (IXe) 4. FLORA TRAVeLS (IXe)5. bALMeR LAWRIe & CO LTD (bLR)6. INDICA TRAVeLS & TOURS PVT.LTD (bLR)7. UNIGLObe AIR TRAVeL (bLR) 8. PRIYADARSHINI AIR WINGS PVT LTD. (bLR)

Amadeus & Jet Airways Joint Promotion - Andhra Pradesh

Amadeus and Jet Airways held an exciting Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in Andhra Pradesh. The agent had to sell selected flights using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to Amadeus. The Validity of the

promotion was from 15th Jul’12 to 15th Sep’12. Lucky winners won gift vouchers, hotel accommodation in Goa and airline tickets as the bumper prize. Please find below list of Winners:1. SAMeeRA TRAVeLS & TOURS PVT.LTD.(HYD)2. GLObAL TRAVeL eXPeRTs (VTZ) 3. GLObAL TRAVeL eXPeRTS (VTZ)4. ATLURI TRAVeL AIR (HYD)5. TRADe WINGS LTD (HYD)6. UNIGLObe SAI POOJA TRAVeL (HYD)7. UNIGLObe AIR TRAVeL bUReAU (HYD)8. UNIGLObe SAI POOJA TRAVeL (HYD)

Amadeus & Jet Airways Joint Promotion - All India

Amadeus in association with Jet Airways and JetKonnect have an ongoing Joint promotion, called Diwali Dhamaka, for all Amadeus agents in India. The agents need to sell and ticket any 9w or S2 flights using Amadeus selling platform and queue them to DeL1A0980. The Validity of the promotion is from 15th Oct’12 to 15th Dec’12. Lucky winners will win blackberry phones, hotel accommodation in GOA, electronic gadgets and airline tickets.

Amadeus and emirates held an exciting Joint promotion for all Amadeus agents in India. The agent had to contribute 10% additional segments compared to average ticketed segments of Jun’12 and Jul’12 using Amadeus selling platform and queue PNRs to Amadeus.

The Validity of the promotion was from 24th

Sep’12 to 21st Oct’12. Promotion applied to all Emirates flights operating to Europe via DXB.

Lucky winner of tickets for ICC T20 Cup final in Sri Lanka were:

* Griffin Marine from BOM* Uniglobe Air Travel bureau from bLR* TSI Yatra from DeL* bCD Travel from HYD

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Amadeus launches mobile booking app & new UI for corporate travel

Amadeus launches industry first solution making flight search

BA becomes the first airline to sign Amadeus’ new revenue accounting solution

Amadeus extends agreement with FCm Travel Solutions

Global NewsAcross the Amadeus world

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Amadeus, a leading technology partner for the global travel industry, today launches its new User Interface (UI) and presents its mobile booking application. The online corporate travel booking tool, Amadeus e-Travel Management (AeTM), used by over 6,000 corporations in 59 markets, helps corporations reduce costs and gain total control of every aspect of the corporate travel process.

Olive Kavanagh, Travel Category Manager, Strategy & Technology, Microsoft commented, “We welcomed the introduction of the new AeTM user interface, which provides an updated user experience that is more aligned with familiar consumer travel sites. Following a successful pilot in Ireland, we are currently in the process of migrating a number of other eMeA markets. The rollout has been seamless, requiring minimal communication to our employees and receiving only positive feedback. It’s great to see AeTM evolving and we look forward to continued updates and new functionality.”

AeTM has undergone a completely new workflow redesign, streamlining the booking process itself, making it easier and faster to search, book, review and approve. These changes, coupled with a new look and feel, enable travellers and travel arrangers to make their way through the booking process more intuitively and seamlessly, saving time on tasks. The new intuitive experience, which is closer to the flow that travellers are used to on leisure websites, better enables a higher acceptance of the company travel programme, while reducing the need for heavy management and mandating processes, hence driving business costs down.

Amadeus launches mobile booking app and new UI for corporate travel

• Amadeus e-Travel Management helps corporations achieve a higher adoption rate possible thanks to its new workflow redesign and improved look and feel

• The new mobile booking app enables efficiency and continuity of service for travellers on the road

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AeTM has undergone a

completely new workflow

redesign, streamlining the booking process

itself, making it easier and

faster to search, book, review and

approve.

GLObAL NeWS

In conjunction with the launch of the new UI, Amadeus presents its mobile booking app, Amadeus e-Travel Management Mobile, which is currently in beta testing mode in Scandinavia and will be available to users in the next few months. The new tool allows travellers to make new air and rail bookings via their mobile devices including iPhone and Android, ensuring efficiency and continuity of service for travellers on the road.

Graeme White, Support Analyst, Application Support Team, House of Travel commented, “At House of Travel, some of our largest clients are using Amadeus e-Travel Management. When visiting our clients a few weeks ago to demo the new interface and go through the migration process, they were all thrilled about the enhancements and looking forward not only to test drive it but also to see it live for their travellers who will experience a very intuitive and straightforward experience.¨

Albert Pozo, VP Global Customer Group, Amadeus commented: “We continue to increase our efforts and investments to deliver an enhanced portfolio of solutions addressing the needs of the fast evolving professional corporate travel management. Our customers and partners remain the main drivers of our priorities, guiding us on how to best evolve our technology and complement our portfolio. The feedback from clients who have been testing both tools to-date is overwhelmingly positive. No doubt, our collaborative approach, travel technology competency, investment capability, and our customer experience and strategic vision, is a winning formula today and will continue to be so in the future.”

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Amadeus, a leading technology partner for the global travel industry, is to preview an industry first search solution which revolutionises the way that flight options are presented to travellers. The patent-pending Amadeus Featured Results solution will be presented at the PhoCusWright Travel Innovation Summit in Arizona, U.S.A. Vayama, a leading online travel agency uniquely focused on international travel, is the first pilot customer to implement the solution in beta form on its website, including 100 origin and destination combinations, which will be presented at the Amadeus booth throughout the PhoCusWright conference, November 13-15. Full global market availability for Featured Results is scheduled for early 2013.

Amadeus Featured Results™ platform significantly improves leisure travellers´ online purchasing experience by making travel search simpler and more relevant. Using breakthrough technology, Amadeus has combined both sophisticated flight search technology and travel business intelligence data to deliver to the traveller a more relevant set of search results at the top of the display screen. In fact, Amadeus is processing more data than ever before in order to return the most relevant, cheapest, fastest, sponsored and most popular bookable travel options in a tenth of a second. Unlike other available search tools, there is no need for travellers to sift through hundreds of recommendations.

Ted Jansen, eVP at Travix International and Head of Vayama commented, “We believe Featured Results is a game-changer for the travel industry. Since starting the company five years ago, we’ve been wholly focused on

providing travellers with one place to find and book the very best international fares. Online flight search, in its current form, is complex, but we see potential for search to be an engine for discovery and inspiration. After all, planning a trip should be fun, not a chore. Working together with Amadeus, we’ve introduced the Featured Results solution at Vayama.com to help travellers cut through the clutter to find more of exactly what they’re looking for.”

An Amadeus-commiss ioned study conducted by PhoCusWright in 2011, empowering Inspiration: The future of travel search, showed that consumers are overwhelmed by the universe of search options. Travellers´ biggest pain points are the perceived difficulty of content aggregation and information overload, coupled with the anxiety of finding the best price which subsequently impacts their buying decisions.

Holger Taubmann, SVP Distribution Amadeus, commented: “Amadeus’ vision is to place the traveller in the driver’s seat and

Amadeus launches industry first solution making flight search

• Patent-pending search solution, Amadeus Featured Results™, instantly delivers the four most relevant bookable travel options available - fastest, cheapest, most popular and sponsored

• Amadeus to preview new solution at the PhoCusWrightTravel Innovation Summit

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“As a leading and growing innovator in

online travel and travel search,

today Amadeus technology

powers some of the most

important online travel agencies

globally.

to create the ultimate search, shop and buy experience. And our travel industry customers and the travellers they serve remain the main drivers of our priorities, guiding us on how to best complement our portfolio and evolve our technology.”

The Featured Results™ solution was developed thanks to various important technology components, highlighting the behind the scenes innovation. The solution leverages Amadeus´ Massive Computation Platform™ which allows the computation of huge amounts of data into live caches that secure instant search capabilities, whilst securing data accuracy. The platform processes, stores and serves in a neutral manner the data for Featured Results web services. Amadeus´ business intelligence platform stores and analyses live and historical global search and reservation data, in order to factor in price volatility and itinerary popularity. It also includes Amadeus´ instant search technology to scan live reservations and extract relevant data that can be incorporated into the search calculation and results.

Additionally, the solution´s algorithm blends both price and business intelligence data to showcase the flight options most-often booked from people who searched city pairs for the same date, or, at the request of the travel agent, promotes a specific offer that is popular or relevant to the specific search. It also integrates live registration data to flag search results with ´relevance signals´, such as popularity of a given route, number of active reservations on a specific flight, remaining seats, when the price was last booked, etc.

Taubmann added, “As a leading and growing innovator in online travel and travel search, today Amadeus technology powers some of the most important online travel agencies globally. by helping travellers navigate an overwhelming amount of information and decrease their search time, we can help online travel agents increase customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Amadeus´ strong investment and focus on the online travel segment coupled with our unique travel technology competency will enable us to successfully continue to serve the evolving needs of our customers into the future.”

Amadeus Featured Results™ is part of the Amadeus Search Portfolio™ which includes a range of solutions that cover the trip lifecycle, from inspiration (discovery and learning) tools through to shopping and booking.

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Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, today announces that british Airways has become the first airline to sign for Amadeus’ new Passenger Revenue Accounting solution. british Airways will benefit from Amadeus’ user-friendly, web-based system, which employs state-of-the-art technology in order to transform revenue accounting from a labour-intensive task to a fast, flexible strategic function.

Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting is designed to help airlines increase revenue, reduce operational costs, and make revenue decisions more quickly and accurately. Whereas current passenger revenue accounting processes are often slow to recognise and process revenue, Amadeus’ new system offers real-time, largely automated data acquisition and processing.

british Airways is scheduled to migrate to the new solution in early 2014 and will benefit from the solution’s full integration with the Amadeus Altéa solution, of which british Airways is a significant and long standing customer.

“The removal of paper documents from the passenger distribution process provides the opportunity to bring revenue accounting closer to the operational functions. We have been looking for a passenger revenue accounting system that takes maximum advantage of this opportunity, and the solution agreed will be delivered in partnership with Amadeus”, explained Gyorgyi Szantner, Head of Finance Services, british Airways.

“We believe it will enable us to transform passenger revenue accounting from a ‘back office’ function to a ‘front-end’ activity, providing real time visibility across the airline including our operational colleagues on how well the airline is performing”, she added.

Christophe bousquet, VP, Development, Amadeus, commented: “This strategic partnership with british Airways demonstrates that we both share the same vision for a next generation passenger revenue accounting

solution. Our passenger revenue accounting system is built using modern technology and embraces the latest industry standards. It allows for real-time acquisition, reporting and accounting thanks to its unique integration with airline operational systems. Accuracy and productivity are both increased and essentially, this new Amadeus solution enables airlines to know their revenues as

BA becomes the first airline to sign Amadeus’ new revenue accounting solution

Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting enables real-time revenue monitoring for faster, more accurate revenue decisions.

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soon as the plane doors close”. He continues: “Leading airlines consider

revenue accounting as a business domain that requires modernization. Amadeus brings to the market a new generation product that fulfills that need and we are delighted that british Airways has selected Amadeus as its strategic partner in this crucial area’.

Amadeus’ Passenger Revenue Accounting solution responds to the airline industry’s requirements for a ful ly integrated, fully scalable, paperless solution that is adaptable to support partnership agreements such as a l l iances , jo int ventures and mergers, whilst complying with new market or industry trends such as electronic miscellaneous documents or simplified interline settlement.

As the latest addition to Amadeus’ rich portfolio of airline IT products, Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting demonstrates the organisation’s ability to supplement the core Altéa suite with value-added IT solutions. Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting is available to all airlines wishing to implement a new passenger revenue accounting solution, and can be integrated with the rest of their passenger services applications. For more information about Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting, please visit the Amadeus Airline IT website.

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FCm, a global corporate travel and expense management specialist, continues to benefit from Amadeus content since its initial agreement in 2007.

GLObAL NeWS

Amadeus, a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and global corporate travel and expense management specialist FCm Travel Solutions, have strengthened their partnership by renewing their global content agreement for a further five years. Under this agreement, Amadeus content will continue to be available to FCm’s partner network via Amadeus Selling Platform and Amadeus’ e-Travel Management booking tool.

both Amadeus and FCm have recognised the strategic importance of this deal. Gregory Lording, Global brand Leader at FCm Travel Solutions said: “Amadeus’ global expertise in distribution, IT and support is highly regarded. We look forward to working closely with Amadeus to ensure our global business achieves more consistency across its IT processes.”

Stephane Durand, Director, Online & Leisure at Amadeus noted: “This extended agreement will reinforce Amadeus’ relationship with FCm. FCm will benefit from Amadeus’ industry

Amadeus extends agreement with FCm Travel Solutions

leading booking and IT solutions, whilst gaining comprehensive, global support via our centralised commercial and IT account managers. FCm’s extended relationship with Amadeus will open up new opportunities to grow further into IT developments in the near future.”

In support of its ongoing relationship with FCm, Amadeus was one of the major sponsors for FCm’s global conference FCm Focus. During the conference FCm launched the extended agreement with Amadeus to its partner network.

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