Amadeus forms global distribution partnership with Zest Air in the Philippines

Wider customer reach paves the way for Zest Air’s expansion into Asia

Bangkok, Thailand (Asia Pacific), 01 October 2009: Amadeus, a leading global technology partner to the travel and tourism industry, today announced a deal with Zest Air, a leading domestic carrier in the Philippines, to distribute its flights on Amadeus’ world-leading Global Distribution System (GDS).

Travellers will now be able to pre-book flights to destinations across the Philippines from more than 100,000 travel agencies worldwide. This will save them the inconvenience of having to book domestic flight tickets after arrival in the country. The broadened distribution will also help support Zest Air as the carrier prepares to move beyond the Philippines to cover key destinations in Asia.

Paul Martin, Director of South East Asia and the India Subcontinent in Amadeus Asia Pacific’s Airline Business Group, said, “This is a landmark deal for Zest Air as it enters a period of exciting growth. By distributing its flights on Amadeus’ GDS, Zest Air will significantly widen its customer base to reach a critical mass that is vital to its regional expansion.”

“The Philippines is growing in popularity as a global tourism destination, and Amadeus is correspondingly increasing its support to travel providers in the country. We are thrilled to have been chosen by one of the Philippines’ leading domestic carriers to drive bookings on its routes in the country, and following that, in Asia,” he added.

Zest Air plans to widen its route network to include cities in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia and South Korea.

Ambassador Alfredo Yao, Zest Air’s President and CEO, said, “Since its inception in 2008, Zest Air has successfully fused creativity and modernity with excellent service, and this has resulted in our airline’s strong growth. We have selected Amadeus as our distribution partner because it understands the needs of fast-growing airlines like Zest Air and exhibits the same qualities of innovation and customised service that we value.”

“Distribution through Amadeus will not only establish Zest Air as a global player, it will also provide our customers with enhanced convenience and accessibility to our flights. We intend to leverage Amadeus’ industry expertise to support our strategic development, and hope to strengthen our relationship in the coming years.”

A young brand in the aviation industry, Zest Air operates seven aircraft and flies to 20 destinations around the Philippines.

Zest Air partners with Amadeus. From left: Albert Villadolid, General Manager Amadeus Philippines; Paul Martin, Director – Airline Business Group Amadeus Southeast Asia and India; Ambassador Alfredo Yao, Zest Airways President and CEO; and Capt. Eliseo Tabora, Zest Airways Executive Vice President and COO. Looking on are (from left) Arturo Alejandrino, Zest Airways Director; Meg Obejas, Zest Airways Manager – Reservations and Ticketing; Cherrie Asuncion, Account Manager Amadeus Airline Business Group; Leveric Ng, Zest Airways VP – Marketing.