Bremen-based fares technology expert Partners Software has been selected to develop a multi-source air fares booking engine and management system for Thomas Cook. The deal is part of Thomas Cook’s multi-million pound Project GLOBE. GLOBE is a pan-European business model with one of the main objectives being the creation of a uniform production platform for all Thomas Cook Tour Operating Brands. Over the next three years, Thomas Cook will replace, or substantially integrate, the 11 distinct reservations systems it is currently using. GLOBE is being designed to combine new functionality with existing systems in order to respond faster and more flexibly to customer demands.

Partners Solutions is providing a system based on its LOW.FARE premium technology, which aggregates airfares from global distribution systems as well as net, consolidator, low-cost and web fares.

The LOW.FARE system will be supported by Partners Software’s FARE.ONE airfare management application enabling Thomas Cook to manage the deals it has negotiated with other airlines. Partners Software’s technology will also be used for the checking and reconciliation of airfares ticketed via BSP.

The LOW.FARE fares technology is about to go into testing alongside the other new system Thomas Cook is implementing. The technology is expected to go live in the second half of 2007 with a Thomas Cook UK brand.

Partners Software managing director Kai Hannemann said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to work with Thomas Cook on such a high-profile project. LOW.FARE is truly unique when it comes to aggregated airfare content and we are convinced it is the right solution for the tour operator across all its brands and distribution channels.”

Thomas Cook Chief Information Officer, Reinhard Eschbach: “Consumer booking behaviour is forcing tour operators to change and offer more flexible holiday arrangements. With the GLOBE project we are at the forefront of that change and with Partners Software’s technology we are able to handle the complex air products required in this new world”.

He continues: “Partners Software, with its LOW.FARE system, offers us access to an unrivalled aggregated fares system. The travel market has become so fragmented and this technology enables us to bring it all back together in an efficient way.”