Air France-KLM inks Sabre deal

Agents connected to Sabre will gain improved access to Air France-KLM, including ancillary services, through a renewed full content deal.

KLM is making its Economy Comfort seats available to book by agents using industry standards developed by ATPCo and Iata as part of the agreement.

Sabre will also use its latest shopping technology to provide agents with improved access to the best possible availability on Air France and KLM flights.

The French carrier will implement Sabre group-booking technology, designed to make it easier and more efficient for agents to manage Air France group reservations.

Air France-KLM is the latest airline group, including Alitalia, Aegean and Finnair, to have chosen to sell ancillary products via the GDS.

Vice president, corporate and distribution Jean Wieviorka said: “Selling our products through travel agents is a vital element of our overall distribution strategy.

“The ability to market and sell the Economy Comfort seat will enrich the content that is available to the Sabre community and will undoubtedly play a part in the future growth of the airline.”

Sabre EMEA senior vice president Harald Eisenaecher said: “Having access to full content and real-time availability is what travel agents expect.

“The decision to use industry standards to sell ancillary products is another major step in the evolution of how airlines sell their products.

“The transparent shopping environment that we provide our travel agency customers will continue to grow and flourish as carriers increasingly recognise the benefit of selling extras through the GDS.”