….aiming to be top travel platform by 2030
….expands NDC capabilities, targets 60+ new carriers
Sabre, has outlined its strategic vision to revolutionize air travel technology by 2030, harping on cloud-based, AI-driven open marketplace.
Presenting the roadmap at a recent webinar organized by Sabre Central and West Africa, CWA, focused on the “Future of Air Travel,” Maurizio Contini, Strategies Partnership, EMEA, unveiled its strategic framework aimed at becoming the most valued global technology platform in travel by 2030.
Speaking on the topic: ‘The future of travel with innovative technologies’, Contini pointed out that this vision centers on delivering tangible value to Sabre’s partners and customers through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Central to Sabre’s strategy is the transition to a modern, adaptable technology platform powered by cloud infrastructure through a partnership with Google. This move, initiated in 2020, allows for faster market adaptation, enhanced security, and the integration of Google’s AI algorithms with Sabre’s travel expertise.
The result, according to Contini, is a suite of products designed to address the complex challenges of the travel industry, benefiting airlines, hospitality providers, and travel agencies alike.
A key component of Sabre’s future vision is the development of an “open marketplace.” This platform aims to streamline the booking process by integrating content from multiple sources, including traditional ATPCO fares, NDC (New Distribution Capability) content, and low-cost carrier offerings.
Contini reiterated the significance of this multi-source approach, stating that it provides a “one-stop shop” for travel professionals, simplifying access to a diverse range of fares and services.
Sabre currently boasts 27 carriers with NDC fares on its platform, with plans to expand this number significantly.
The open marketplace also focuses on enhancing post-servicing automation, leveraging AI to streamline processes such as exchanges and refunds.
This automation is crucial for travel agencies, enabling them to focus on creating personalized travel experiences for their customers.
He stressed the importance of an interoperable system, allowing for seamless integration with other industry tools and technologies.
Sabre is actively investing in expanding its NDC capabilities, with plans to add over 60 additional NDC carriers. The company is also focusing on unifying its APIs to improve developer efficiency and ensuring that retail control tools are compatible with all content sources.
Furthermore, Sabre has integrated low-cost carrier content into its platform, providing a more comprehensive booking experience.
Contini also showcased the Sabre Red Launchpad, a user-friendly interface designed to simplify the booking process for non-GDS experts. This tool supports all content types, including NDC and low-cost carrier fares, making it easier for a wider range of users to access Sabre’s platform.
He maintained that Sabre’s multi-source solution is not a future concept but a reality, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of the travel industry.
The company’s commitment to an open, intelligent marketplace, powered by cloud technology and AI, aims to empower its partners to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
