Norwegian and Amadeus build on partnership with renewed distribution agreement

Norwegian and Amadeus build on partnership with renewed distribution agreement

Deal includes Argentinian offshoot which has recently received regulatory approval for over 150 routes Continue reading

Budget airline Norwegian and Amadeus has signed a new distribution agreement that includes the carrier’s new Argentinian subsidiary.

Amadeus said the new deal will help Norwegian build on its success in the low-cost long-haul sector which has seen a 110% growth through the GDS since 2015.

The airline has signed a new distribution agreement that ensures Amadeus travel sellers have full access to the airline’s fares.

The agreement also welcomes Norwegian Air Argentina, a new carrier serving a market where the airline has recently received regulatory approval for over 150 routes.

The airline will also adopt Amadeus Customer Experience Management to gain relevant traveller insights, enabling it to drive loyalty through personalisation.

Amadeus said the close partnership between the two companies has helped Norwegian to achieve a considerable increase in bookings from its travel agency network.

Today over 25% of agency bookings for Norwegian originate outside of Scandinavia. The airline has also been able to connect to travel sellers in a more simple and efficient way by using Amadeus’ eTicketing solution.

Lars Sande, senior vice president of sales and distribution at Norwegian, said: “As a growing global airline, it is vital to keep costs low and offer affordable fares.

“This way we can increase the number of passengers and add the direct routes that travellers want.

“It’s always difficult to enter a new market, where you’re not well-known, and our partnership with Amadeus has given us the technology, connections and insight we needed to grow our business.

“Travel sellers are a key channel for us representing 20% of all our bookings. We are delighted to have renewed and expanded our relationship with Amadeus as we pursue continued growth.”

Under the renewed agreement targeted, bundled fares will continue to be offered through agents.

These bundled fares include premium services and deliver a better booking experience for travellers and agency partners, helping to support the airline’s growth.

Manuel Midon, head of airlines, northern and western Europe at Amadeus, added: “We are very pleased to support Norwegian’s low cost long haul growth strategy and our expanded agreement helps to underline the key supporting role of the intermediated channel.

“We have been working hand in hand with the airline to help enable its expansion through innovative distribution and IT solutions.

“This technology has been supported by unique insights from our extensive travel agency network, allowing Norwegian to adapt its strategy due to local market conditions.”

Norwegian has also been an Amadeus Altéa Passenger Service System (PSS) customer since 2010.

Agents are able to see real-time flight information with a shared PNR, gain instant visibility on seat availability and changes, and track and service customers throughout their journey.