<B> Inside Track</B>
<B>Galileo, Amadeus Pass First Y2K Challenge</B>
Feb. 4 is the next big Y2K challenge for Galileo International and other global distribution systems, as most of the world's airlines make their Year 2000 inventory available for booking. Last week, Galileo's host reservation system in Denver, Colo., and Amadeus' host in Germany issued their first reservations and tickets for the year 2000 without a hitch. The Galileo test ticket was issued by an Australian travel agency for a trip from London to Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2000, and from Hong Kong to Melbourne on Jan. 2, 2000. The first wave of 18 carriers--most in the Asia/Pacific region--made Year 2000 inventory available on Jan. 3, making it crucial that GDSs complete all Y2K programming now. Galileo's Apollo GDS in Denver will be put to the test on Feb. 4.
<a name="2"><B>AA First With Sabre Tool For End-User Marketing</B>
American Airlines is the launch customer for a new service offered by Sabre as part of its Sales Manager suite of airline products called Marketing Messages (<I>BTN,</I> Oct. 12, 1998). The messages, which appear in the CRS during the booking process, are triggered by the input of either a frequent flyer number or a new corporate identification number that recognizes the airline's top corporate accounts. After the traveler is identified, any of a number of offerings could appear, from upgrades to promotions by hotels, car companies or partner airlines that may not necessarily be the buyer's preferred suppliers. The corporate identification number also can identify negotiated pricing and availability, offer the travel agent bonus commissions and improve the airline's ability to track contractual performance.
<a name="3"><B>First Travelcorp And T&T Cancel Merger </B>
Travel and Transport Inc. of Omaha, Neb., said Dec. 30 it has terminated its merger plans with Raleigh, N.C.-based First Travelcorp Inc. First Travelcorp's president and CEO Garland Tucker III said only that "we are disappointed and regret the action T&T has taken."
<a name="4"><B>United, US Airways Battle For Dulles</B>
United Airlines this spring will boost daily departures at Washington Dulles by more than 60 percent, adding nonstop service to 13 destinations across the country in the first phase of a long-term growth plan for the small hub. "In the spring we will be looking at the idea of bringing the Shuttle by United operation to Dulles," said a spokesman.
The announcement follows a US Airways plan to bulk up at Dulles, to offer seven daily jet flights to New York-LaGuardia beginning in March and to double US Airways Express turboprop service to eight daily flights. Corporations already are seeing the benefits of increasing competition.
<a name="5"><B>More Airlines Match Int'l Commission Cap</B>
Cathay Pacific and Swissair last week matched the United-led international commission cap of $50 one-way and $100 roundtrip (<I>BTN,</I> Nov. 16, 1998), with a base rate of 8 percent. Both changes take effect Feb. 1.
<a name="6"><B>Cos. Begin Testing Amadeus-SAP Link</B>
Now that SAP's latest software is being deployed, a handful of corporations, including one in the United States, are starting to test the new booking module designed by Amadeus. Pilot testers can click on an icon within the enterprise solution to check air availability and fares. The official launch of the booking component is expected in April, when SAP releases yet another version of its enterprise system. As part of the closer relationship between the companies, the Amadeus North American marketing company recently began using SAP internally, joining their counterparts in Europe.
<a name="7"><B>Maritz Travel Completes E-Tix Software Testing</B>
After testing six electronic ticket tracking software programs, Maritz Travel Co. recommended three: Cornerstone Information Systems' EChecker, Automated Travel Systems' ResTrack and Maritz's own e-Fund. Said technology marketing director Becky March, "In one week, we captured a savings of $45,856 for four clients that represent $37 million in annual air volume." Maritz officials said the agency has seen its e-ticket usage grow by 33 percent in a year.
<a name="8"><B>Air Travel Card Seeks Top Executive</B>
Air Travel Card executives hope to have a new managing director on board by April, following the retirement of Charles Fisher, who headed the airline card issuer for the past seven years and was with the Air Transport Association for more than 30 years. An executive search firm is working with the board to fill the top spot, as well as that of a controller and director of marketing. Richard Crum is serving as interim managing director.