Travelport GDS, one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers, today announced that China Southern Airlines has become the 200th airline to implement e-ticketing via its Galileo GDS. With this development, Galileo has implemented e-ticketing on almost 60 carriers this year alone.
China Southern Airlines operates domestic, regional and international flights and is Asia’s largest airline in terms of fleet and the largest in China in terms of number of passengers carried. The signing of China Southern Airlines to implement e-ticketing on Galileo demonstrates the travel industry’s continuing and systematic move to achieving IATA’s goal for all airlines to offer e-tickets by the end of May 2008.
Kevin Mooney, Chief Commercial Officer at Travelport commented, “The implementation of e-ticketing by our 200th airline is a significant milestone for Travelport and demonstrates our commitment to providing travel agents worldwide with a fast, efficient and environmentally friendly method of transmitting ticket information, allowing customers to board their flights without a paper ticket. We are delighted that China Southern has implemented and we expect to be able to make further announcements regarding other implementations shortly.”
Travelport GDS, encompassing both Galileo GDS and Worldspan GDS, issues over 85% of all tickets via e-ticketing resulting in huge time and financial savings for travel agents and carriers alike. As a direct result of this, the combined company is saving a minimum of 27 acres of forest per month.
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About Travelport GDS
Travelport GDS is one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers. It is also the global leader in Web-based travel e-commerce and a provider of other specialized solutions and services to the global travel industry. Travelport GDS comprises the Galileo by Travelport and Worldspan® by Travelport GDSs; Shepherd Systems, an expert in providing business and marketing intelligence to the travel industry; aiRESTM, the next generation server-based internal airline IT product suite; and THOR, a provider of distribution and marketing services to travel-related companies. Travelport GDS is a convergence of traditional and online travel distribution services that empower airlines, travel suppliers, travel agencies, Web sites and corporations to provide first class travel services to travelers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, the world’s largest network of travel brands, content and services. More information is available at travelportgds.com.
About China Southern
The largest airline in The People’s Republic of China for the past 28 years, China Southern Airlines - www.flychinasouthern.com - connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Lagos, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
For More Information
Jill Brenner Travelport GDS, tel 1 973 9391325
Kate Aldridge Travelport GDS, tel +44 (0)1753 288720