Air China, the flag carrier and largest airline of the People’s Republic of China today signed on to upgrade their reservation inventory participation system to Direct Connect Availability (DCA) by Abacus International, Asia’s leading revenue partner for airlines.
Abacus’ DCA connectivity is a highly evolved system interface that enables travel agents to compare rates and availability directly from travel supplier in-house systems. Abacus DCA also provides airlines control of point of sale quota allocation by deciding which flights can be processed.
“By adopting Abacus DCA, airlines have control of the supply and demand for seats to better cater to travellers’ demand patterns,” said Mr Ho Hoong Mau, Division Head of Airline Distribution of Abacus International. “Air China can now better optimise its revenue generation for maximum yields and reach in Asia, and agents have instant access to what’s available. It also paves the way for Air China to explore tapping Origin/Destination (OD) business by using Abacus’ suites of revenue optimisation products like Abacus Married Segments.”
“With a fast-growing China market, we need to work with the right partner to take advantage of this growth and expand our business in the process. Abacus’ vast presence in the region through an extensive network and our long-lasting relationship has made this decision an easy one to allow more agents and passengers enjoy our products,” said Ms. Li Dong, Deputy General Manager, Network and Revenue Management Department, Air China.
In addition to the upgrade to Abacus DCA, Air China and Abacus International also embarked on a landmark 3-year marketing programme that will allow for greater growth by Air China across the region.
Under the programme, both Abacus and Air China agree to work closely together in expansion efforts for the airline through the Abacus network. This will allow for more revenue maximisation opportunities through the Abacus system as well as greater reach for its agents. In addition to more co-operation opportunities and strategic leverage by the partnership, Air China can offer increased fare promotions through the Abacus FareX system.
Mr Ho added, “Maximising growth and managing costs savings will help drive airlines in the region. Through Abacus’ seamless access and our marketing programme, we are delighted in our role to help Air China both drive a better match of passenger demand pattern to capacity as well as leverage our productive network to reach more customers in Asia. Abacus’ long-term relationship with Air China is testament to how we strive continuously to deliver value to all our suppliers and partners.”