ATPCO and Southwest Airlines partner on automated fare filing and content merchandising

US budget carrier says the technology specialists' Express Contracts and Routehappy solutions will make it easier to do business with

ATPCO has signed a new deal with Southwest Airlines to automate corporate contract fare filing and improve the US budget carrier’s online merchandising capabilities.

Two multi-year agreements will see the carrier use Express Contracts and Routehappy, ATPCO’s merchandising content solution. 

ATPCO said Routehappy will ensure the carrier’s travel experience options “are presented in its own brand voice, in multiple languages, regardless of sales channel – and in the most visually appealing display that highlights the benefits of flying on Southwest”.

Routehappy content consists of messaging, images, videos, and cabin tours that can be targeted by aircraft, route, time of day, to augment the selling of fares, products and services. 

Its UPAs (Universal Product Attributes) highlight differentiated features, including branded fares. “Southwest can use Routehappy UPAs to make it easier for customers to understand and choose the best fare for their needs”, ATPCO said.

Express Contracts streamlines the implementation of negotiated contracts between an airline and its corporate partners, enabling contracts to get to market in a matter of hours. 

Rob Brown, senior director, distribution and services at Southwest Airlines, said: “As we continue evolving our business travel distribution strategy, we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to improve efficiencies, remove friction, and continue our mission of making it easier to do business with Southwest Airlines. 

“Through these new agreements, we’re able to service our customers with the tools and processes they use to manage their business travel program.” 

Doug Sharpe, head of sales for the Americas at ATPCO, added: “With simple calls to our Express Contracts and Routehappy APIs, ATPCO can fully automate the workflow for Southwest so it can bring improved speed to market, less manual processing, and increased efficiency along with the assurance its offers and brand are accurately represented to business travel customers on the sales channels of their choice.”