Synergi Names Sabre To Replace Amadeus As Preferred GDS

Synergi Inc., the travel network that claims more than $10 billion in air volume among more than 50 agencies, today announced the signing of a five-year contract in which Sabre becomes the preferred global distribution system provider for "the consolidation of multinational accounts" by Synergi members.

Though its use will not be exclusive, Sabre replaces Amadeus as the preferred GDS for Synergi, which is attempting to reduce the number of GDSs it uses to two from four.

"The goal will be to consolidate as many opportunities as possible under the Sabre umbrella," said Synergi president Greg O'Neil. "There already are Synergi agencies converting to Sabre now." He noted that even when Amadeus was preferred, 30 percent of Synergi transactions were processed through Sabre. "We've been involved in over $400 million worth of bids in the first two months of year," O'Neil said. "Many customers are demanding a single or simplified GDS solution, and three bids this year required Sabre."

Asked to what extent incentive payments from the GDSs played a role in negotiations, O'Neil said they were, "important, but not a major factor." He said that during more than three months of negotiations, Sabre was the most "proactive."

Sabre already was the primary GDS for a handful of Synergi agencies, including SeaGate/Advanced Travel Group in New York. O'Neil said he anticipates setting up a global relationship with Sabre's GetThere subsidiary for corporate self-booking services.