Russian agency first to specify Sabre as primary GDS

Leading Russian travel consultancy Agency DAVS has made the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) its primary booking tool in its principal Moscow office. The move follows Sabre Travel Network’s upgrade last year of the reservation system used by nearly 6,000 Aeroflot-affiliated travel agents in more than 3,000 locations in Russia and elsewhere around the world.

Agency DAVS sells over US$85 million of travel annually, and is the first Aeroflot-appointed travel agency in Russia to switch most of its bookings in a location to the Sabre system. It’s also the first to use the GDS to book content other than Aeroflot, such as car hire companies, hotels and other international and domestic airlines.

“This is a huge endorsement of the work Sabre has done to ensure that last year’s Aeroflot system upgrade was a success,” said Vladimir Maltsev, general director of Agency DAVS. “Sabre is the fastest growing GDS in Russia. It has developed a variety of exciting new tools and is continually improving content. The decision to use Sabre means my business will realise significant process efficiencies. Consequently enhancing the service we provide.”

Andy Dowling, acting country manager for Sabre Travel Network in Russia, said: “Agency DAVS already manages one of our certified Sabre Training Centres, testing our products before they are released to the market. This agreement will further strengthen our partnership.”

The travel agency conversion programme was accomplished in conjunction with a massive technology upgrade for Aeroflot by Sabre Airline Solutions. This upgrade involved the successful switch from outdated technology systems to cutting-edge reservation, operational and decision-support products. The IT overhaul, combined with the airline’s recent product upgrade and re-branding exercise, enables the carrier to compete successfully on international routes and paves the way for it to enter the SkyTeam airline alliance.

About Sabre Travel Network

Sabre Travel Network, a Sabre Holdings company, provides access to the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS). The Sabre GDS is a ready-built efficient marketplace that connects suppliers, including hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels, with more than 50,000 travel agency locations. Suppliers get access through one single connection; travel agents get real time access to thousands of travel products from multiple suppliers through one source integrated into their businesses; consumers get access to a global supermarket of the world’s greatest travel possibilities.

Key brands of Sabre Travel Network include GetThere, the leading Web-based corporate travel reservation technology, and Jurni Network, the unique leisure travel agency consortium in the United States that enables members to sell more products from preferred travel suppliers using sophisticated market intelligence.

Sabre Holdings (NYSE: TSG) connects people with the world’s greatest travel possibilities by retailing travel products and providing distribution and technology solutions for the travel industry. More information about Sabre Holdings is available at http://www.sabre-holdings.com.
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