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Amadeus updates Agency Internet Engine solution
Amadeus announced the release of the latest version of the Amadeus Agency Internet Engine (AAIE) (Asia) solution that is customised for the Asian region. AAIE (Asia) offers many new features that make it easier for travel agencies to build more effective websites and increase online revenues.

One of the highlights of the latest version of AAIE (Asia) is a wider range of service fee options. This allows travel agencies to pick and choose from an enhanced “menu” of service fees to suit their business model, including credit card charge fees, service fees per Passenger Name Record (PNR), per booking class, per segment and more.

In addition, the upgraded solution is integrated with the Payment Gateway, allowing the travel agent’s customer to make purchases online using PayPal, AsiaPay and Moneydirect. By providing additional payment options, travel agencies deliver better service for their customers.

Also included is a graphical seatmap function, enabling the travel agent’s customers to select their seats, enhancing the online shopping experience.

“Amadeus is committed to ongoing investment in development of solutions for travel agencies, such as the Amadeus Agency Internet Engine (Asia),” said Olivier Froger, Director Business Solutions at Amadeus Asia. “This solution is recognised by the industry as a low-cost, low-risk route to travel e-commerce.”

“PhoCusWright recently projected a 17% gain in the APAC online leisure and unmanaged business travel market to reach US$35.7 billion in 2009. To date, Amadeus has seen online travel agency bookings in Asia Pacific grow by 34%, compared to the same period last year.”

“Travel agencies need to evolve in line with this trend and leverage the Internet to their advantage. With the enhanced AAIE (Asia), travel agencies in Asia will gain greater control and flexibility over their websites to create a more dynamic and customer-oriented online presence.”

The new features of AAIE (Asia) complement the existing strengths of the solution. AAIE (Asia) is closely integrated with the Amadeus Global Distribution System, thus allowing travel agencies on the existing platform to seamlessly align content and other applications such as profiles or mid-office functions with their websites. Agencies are also able to use AAIE (Asia) to customise the look and feel of their websites, as well as expand their offer to include services such as hotel booking and car rental. Vicky Karantzavelou - Tuesday, October 13, 2009