Amadeus launches Amadeus Content Plus Program Which Guarantees U.S. Subscribers Access To Full Content
Amadeus customers can continue to access and book full content from participating carriers without airline content surcharges
MIAMI, December 6, 2006: Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry, today announced the launch of Amadeus Content Plus, a new content access program that will guarantee its U.S. customers access to full content without being subject to airline content surcharges.
"Amadeus has always stated that subsequent changes to the business model will be guided by the further evolution of the marketplace. As a result of market dynamics and associated economics, Amadeus is introducing Amadeus Content Plus, a program designed to fit the realities of the current marketplace," said Kay Urban, President and CEO of Amadeus North America.
The new program begins January 1, 2007, and all Amadeus GDS subscribers in the U.S. will be automatically enrolled in the program. In exchange for access to full content, Amadeus GDS subscribers will incur a content access fee of up to $0.80 per net booked segment on participating airline carriers. America West, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways are the initial participating carriers in the program with more carriers expected to be added.
Urban said the Amadeus Content Plus program will address the need expressed by Amadeus subscribers for access to full content while also meeting the airlines' desire for reduced distribution costs.
Urban explained that Amadeus slated its program rollout for January 2007 to provide its customers with the opportunity to prepare and evolve their businesses, as well as to provide an additional four months of savings on access fees versus other programs in the marketplace which began in September.
Urban said Amadeus had considered and pursued several unique and progressive programs that provided alternative approaches to addressing the airlines' economic objectives while still bringing full content to Amadeus subscribers, but the direction of the marketplace was clear.
"We have always maintained that the marketplace would ultimately determine the success of any business model or program," said Urban. "Adoption rates of other similar programs have shown that the market has accepted program access fees in favor of a commitment to full content and protection from airline segment surcharges."
Recognizing the realities of the new marketplace and the need for continued evolution, Urban said in 2007 and beyond, Amadeus will introduce new programs designed to help its subscriber customers capitalize on future revenue and growth opportunities.
The Amadeus Content Plus program is available to all Amadeus GDS subscribers in the United States who receive a segment incentive on airline bookings. If an Amadeus customer does not wish to participate in the Amadeus Content Plus program, prior to December 31, 2006 they need to contact the Amadeus Content Plus Help Desk at 305-499-6012 or email contentplus@amadeus.com to request to be removed from the program.
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About Amadeus
Amadeus is the chosen technology partner for providers, sellers, and buyers of travel. The company provides distribution, IT and point-of-sale solutions to help its customers adapt, grow and succeed in the fast changing travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (airlines, hotels, car rental companies, railway companies, ferry lines, cruise lines, insurance companies and tour operators), travel sellers (travel agencies) and travel buyers (corporations and travelers). Solutions are grouped in four solution categories - Distribution & Content, Sales & e-Commerce, Business Management and Services & Consultancy.
The company is owned by WAM Acquisition, whose shareholders are BC Partners, Cinven, Air France, Iberia and Lufthansa. Amadeus employs nearly 6,700 employees worldwide, representing 95 nationalities. Amadeus’ revenue for the six months year ended 30 June was €1,381.6m.
More information about Amadeus is available at: www.amadeus.com
