South African Airways has become the first carrier in Africa to sign up for Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising platform.
South African Airways signs merchandising platform deal with Travelport
South African Airways has become the first carrier in Africa to sign up for Travelport’s Rich Content and Branding merchandising platform.
The technology enables airlines to more effectively control how their fares are visually presented and described on travel agency screens, bringing them more in line with the airline’s own website experience.
Rich Content and Branding is in the in final stage of testing and due to be launched later in the year on Travelport Smartpoint agency desktops,
It will allow agents to access photos, images and extended descriptions aggregated into their usual booking flow to help customers’ purchasing decisions around fares such as cabin type, seat type, meals, baggage allowance and ticket flexibility.
More than 60 airlines have signed up for the technology, including Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, British Airways, Iberia, easyJet, Hainan Airlines and United Airlines.
The technology company’s UK and Ireland managing director Simon Ferguson said: “It is significant for Travelport to have signed up the largest airline in South Africa for our Rich Content and Branding technology and we look forward to implementing this with them over the coming months.
“The travel industry in Africa continues to grow and we’re convinced the availability of this industry-leading merchandising technology will be valued by travel agencies.”
He added: “The signing of more than 60 airlines for our Rich Content and Branding technology indicates that our airline partners fully support and share our views on the benefits it presents in terms of how fares and ancillaries are presented to travel agents.”
SAA chief commercial officer Sylvain Bosc said: “South African Airways continues to expand its range of dynamic travel products tailored towards our increasingly sophisticated customers and we are pleased that the merchandising technology offered through Travelport’s Travel Commerce Platform enables us to differentiate ourselves more easily.
“We look forward to continuing to improve the shopping experience for our customers and their agencies through Travelport’s distribution.”
