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Air France-KLM and Sabre sign NDC distribution agreement
Air France-KLM and Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, announced completion of a strategic multi-year NDC distribution agreement as well as the renewal of their existing EDIFACT agreement. Collaboration between the partners has been extended with New Distribution Capability (NDC) enriched offers, which will be marketed and sold alongside EDIFACT content, through Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS). The Air France-KLM NDC offers will be rolled out to Sabre-connected travel agencies in a phased approach next year. The agreement demonstrates Sabre’s continued commitment to driving value and serving the diverse interests of the various stakeholders participating in the global travel marketplace. It helps agencies to efficiently shop and compare increasingly sophisticated offers, while their travelers will benefit from an enhanced experience with more choice and transparency. It also enables Air France and KLM to distribute their customized NDC offers, thanks to continuous pricing and tailor-made bundles, to the global network of Sabre-connected agencies. “Choosing the right travel technology partners with which to collaborate is essential. Hence, we are pleased to extend our cooperation with Sabre. This will support our travel agent partners to provide the Air France-KLM enriched and attractive NDC offer, giving the travelers a wider range of options to enhance their journey, from start to finish.” said Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM. “Our partnership with Air France-KLM reflects our commitment to modern travel retailing and a big step forward for our presence in Europe,” added Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “From the beginning, Sabre has been committed to go beyond NDC to help build a new travel ecosystem that is more efficient and personalized, meeting the dynamic needs of today’s travelers. We are delighted to bring our customers EDIFACT and enhanced NDC content as we transition to a new world of Offers and Orders.”
SITA delivers 400 new TS6 kiosks to Air France-KLM Group
SITA is upgrading Air France-KLM Group’s existing fleet of 400 self-service kiosks in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam’s Schiphol airports and other hub airports in Europe, delivering new functionalities for passengers such as contactless and smartphone payments. The kiosks are the cornerstone of Air France-KLM’s self-service offering and key to digitalizing the passenger experience. A vast majority of passengers rely on these touchpoints to manage their travel and help speed passenger through the check-in process. SITA’s new kiosks will offer improved payment features and are equipped for new digital functionality via the SITA Flex platform which allows it to connect seamless with mobile devices. Using SITA’s standard TS6 kiosks, Air France-KLM can customize the kiosk to their specific customer needs without introducing complexity and cost. Thanks to the TS6 modular design, the airline group can switch out and change individual components years later, ensuring the longevity of the kiosks, making it easier for Air France-KLM to introduce new functionality, such as biometrics, in the future. The new kiosks also include the SITA Common Use Payment Service that uses Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant chip and pin terminals for acceptance of ancillary fees including via contactless cards and smartphones. This enables compliance to the EU PSD2 SCA law and providing end-to-end encryption of payment data as required by Payment Card Industry standards. This enables airlines and airports to reduce their PCI responsibilities while offering passengers greater payment options. Pierre-Olivier Bandet, EVP Information Systems at Air France-KLM, said: “Today, our check-in kiosks across our hubs in Charles de Gaulle and Schiphol airports are a vital element of our self-service offering to our passengers. To deliver this we need a fleet of kiosks that are dependable, always available and easy for passengers to use. SITA has delivered on all three.” Sergio Colella, SITA President for Europe, said: “With a continued growth in passenger volumes, digitalizing the passenger journey with new self-service options will be vital. This will help streamline the flow of passengers through the airport and give travellers more control over their journey. I am pleased that we were able to deliver to Air France-KLM a solution that is scalable to meet their passenger demand.”
CWT enables access to Air France-KLM NDC content via Cytric online booking tool
CWT has started offering its global customers access to Air France-KLM’s NDC content through Amadeus’ Cytric corporate travel and expense booking tool. As part of CWT’s ongoing commitment to develop scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions for corporate travel programs to access NDC content through preferred channels, travelers looking to search and book Air France-KLM's NDC-enabled content and continuous pricing offers, can easily do so through Cytric by Amadeus. This follows the launch of a pilot program last year, which saw CWT’s travel counselors making Air France-KLM NDC bookings to a select number of customers via the Amadeus Travel Platform. Erik Magnuson, CWT’s Vice President of Product Management, Travel Content & Connectivity, said: “The ability to offer NDC content through an online booking channel is a major step forward in our ambition to create an omni-channel experience for our customers. Our close collaboration and partnership with Amadeus and Air France-KLM has made this possible, and it builds on the success of our continued efforts together.” Ludo Verheggen, Director Air Distribution Growth, Amadeus, said: “We’re very pleased to see the joint effort of CWT, Air France-KLM and Amadeus come to fruition, and to bring the airline’s NDC-sourced content to CWT’s corporate travelers through Cytric by Amadeus in an efficient and holistic manner. It’s been an excellent example of all stakeholders coming together, to share requirements and find solutions to drive NDC forward and accelerate modern retailing.” Air France-KLM distribution VP Stephane Ormand, said: “NDC is increasingly important in the distribution strategy of Air France-KLM. After a strong focus on leisure adoption, our teams are working closely with CWT and Amadeus to adapt our NDC technology to business travel needs.” Following a successful offline proof of concept phase earlier this year, we’re pleased to launch a new online pilot phase. CWT key corporate customers will now benefit from our exclusive NDC content, including continuous pricing and ancillaries, along with personalization, through dedicated corporate bundles,” Stephane concluded. CWT has been working closely with its airline and technology partners to develop scalable solutions for NDC-sourced content through the major global content aggregators. This latest pilot program is another important milestone for the industry and promises more NDC-exclusive services to be introduced later this year including seat bundles and sustainable aviation fuel options.
Air France and KLM now available on Verteil’s NDC Platform
Air France and KLM (AFKL) and Verteil, a leading NDC technology provider for 40+ global airlines since 2016 announced that AFKL's offers are now live on Verteil Direct Connect. This integration will allow travel sellers to access AFKL's advanced NDC contents directly through NDC based comprehensive booking engine portal & universal NDC APIs. Verteil’s customers will have access to end-to-end NDC capabilities, including shopping, booking, fully automated servicing, and private / negotiated fares for multiple segments and market-specific requirements, through AFKL's NDC channel. Additionally, customers will get access to the latest AFKL’s innovations supported via NDC, which includes features like continuous pricing, extra services, and personalized options. Air France and KLM will also keep improving these features over time. Apart from the superior and real time content, bookings via Air France and KLM’s NDC channel, will not be surcharged as compared to legacy GDS channels. Jerrin Jos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Verteil Technologies, said: ”We are delighted to facilitate Air France and KLM’s NDC content to our global travel seller base who are using Verteil NDC platform. We fully support Air France and KLM in their exciting journey, offering travel sellers differentiated content and innovative product offerings via the unconstrained and technologically superior NDC channel. Our ongoing transformational journey in the airline distribution space is progressing significantly. We are currently implementing changes with several airline partners and investing heavily in building product capabilities to support advanced functionality for travel sellers' diverse business models. Stéphane Ormand, VP Distribution, Air France and KLM, said: “With Verteil we expand the choice for our travel agent partners to access our offers via the NDC technology. Thanks to Verteil NDC platform, travel agents can now promote and sell cheaper Air France and KLM’s offers, thanks to additional price points, exclusive promotional fares and dynamic pricing for seats selection. As of next June, our “Light” fares in Economy cabin, with a minimum stay condition, for all mid-hauls and French domestic routes, will be phased out from the legacy GDS/Edifact. This is a new step in our distribution strategy and Verteil will enable their users to continue selling Air France and KLM full range of offers.”
Travelport and Air France-KLM launch NDC Content
Travelport and Air France-KLM announced that Air France-KLM’s New Distribution Content (NDC) is now live on Travelport. The move gives Travelport users direct access to the carrier’s NDC content, including shopping, booking, servicing, and private fares to cover multiple segments, and market specifics. It also allows users to get access to continuous pricing and ancillary purchases. “We are thrilled to see Air France-KLM’s success with this ground-breaking NDC initiative, making NDC content via Travelport accessible to agents and travel retailers,” said Damian Hickey, Global Vice President & Global Head of Airline Partners at Travelport. “Through Travelport+, we are helping Air France-KLM expand simplified access to their NDC content, and deliver their best travel offers to our travel agency customers. This milestone assures Air France-KLM as an innovative and competitive market supplier while also cementing our position as a market leader in NDC and modern travel retailing.” ,
TOP International Holding joins Air France-KLM group’s SAF programme
. Roland Coppens, General Manager Air France-KLM South East Asia, Oceania and Dato Victor Tan, CEO, TOP International Holding at the contract signing. Air France-KLM group has announced that TOP International Holding, a Singapore-based, global minerals and resources company, has become the first in Singapore to join the Air France-KLM Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme. Representatives of the Air France-KLM Group and TOP International Holding signed a contract on 25 October 2022 to affirm TOP International Holding's commitment in joining the programme. Roland Coppens, General Manager Air France-KLM South East Asia & Oceania and Dato Victor Tan, CEO, TOP International Holding at the contract signing. By joining the Air France-KLM Corporate SAF programme, Top International Holding commits to the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2022 and 2023 and therefore reduces their company footprint from business travel and supports its sustainability objectives by lowering CO2 emissions. By working together, companies can bring sustainable aviation closer and stimulate SAF demand and usage. Roland Coppens, General Manager Air France-KLM South East Asia & Oceania said: "TOP International Holding is the first company in Singapore to join our Corporate SAF programme, and we are delighted to welcome them as one of the pioneers in Singapore, supporting with the key transition from fossil fuel to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Today marks the start of greater awareness among companies in Singapore to collaborate with us to make SAF available around the globe." Dato' Victor Tan, CEO of TOP International Holding, expressed: "Sustainability is embedded as a core component of our corporate strategy. We want to play our part in making a positive impact to the environment. Our decision to join the Air France-KLM Corporate SAF programme reflects our deep commitment for sustainable development as well as innovative and responsible aviation practices. We are excited about this new opportunity to partner with an industry leader and are confident that this will help in reducing CO2 emissions and contribute to preserving our natural resources for future generations." The Air France-KLM Corporate SAF programme offers a customized programme depending on the sustainability ambitions of a company. Based on anticipated travel, the company's contribution will be used to purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel within the agreed calendar years.
KLM and Transavia to share data on unruly passengers
This makes KLM and Transavia the first airlines in the world to share data on unruly passengers. KLM and Transavia share data on passengers placed on the No Fly List for disruptive behaviour on board or on the ground, since 29 September. Both airlines will ban unruly passengers for five years, regardless of which airline operated the flight in question. Paul Terstegge, executive vice president inflight services KLM said: “We stand up for our employees and our passengers and safety on board is always our top priority. When someone on board misbehaves, you end up with a very threatening situation in a very confined space, whether we’re talking about physical violence or sharing threatening images via Airdrop, for example. This has been happening more often, most recently on a flight to Croatia. What might be meant as a ‘joke’ causes huge distress to passengers, including children, and we consider it unacceptable for our crews as well. Banning such individuals for five years from both Transavia and KLM LM makes a strong statement and reflects the hazardous situation they have caused.” Daan Pijzel, VP of cabin operations at Transavia: “Rise in complaints about unacceptable behaviour Unacceptable behaviour during flights is a growing problem. The number of complaints about unruly passengers increased during the pandemic. KLM currently records an average of five complaints leading to a ban every month, while Transavia bans at least one passenger a month. Although the number of complaints declined after the corona pandemic, airlines are seeing another surge. Unruly behaviour at high altitudes can have a major impact on passengers and crew.” The two airlines are also calling on politicians and policymakers in the Netherlands and abroad to make it possible to share such data with other airlines. Extending a Transavia ban to KLM and vice versa widens the scope of the no-fly measure. It means that passengers on KLM or Transavia flights who are placed on the No Fly List are less likely to jeopardise flight safety on flights operated by the other airlines. The aim is to improve flight safety, with the mutual ban also serving as a deterrent. There is an urgent need for this intervention. Safety on board is a top priority. Unruly passengers have a major impact on other passengers and our staff. Any form of physical violence towards crew or passengers is unacceptable. Such behaviour also leads to delays, which is very annoying for passengers and expensive for airlines.
KLM resumes flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta from 31 October
For its winter 2022-2023 schedule, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta as of 31 October 2022. From Kuala Lumpur, KLM offers four weekly non-stop flights to Amsterdam and will also resume four weekly flights to Jakarta. From Jakarta, KLM offers four weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur and will increase its frequency to four weekly flights to Amsterdam via Kuala Lumpur.KLM also offers daily flight options from both Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta via Singapore with its interline partners. Before the COVID-19 pandemic until April 2020, KLM offered daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. KLM's country manager for Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, Estee Ng commented: "After suspending flights for 2,5 years due to the COVID crisis, we are delighted to resume our direct flights again to Amsterdam from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The resumption means more choice for our customers to connect between Europe and Southeast Asia." KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is part of the Air France–KLM Group. KLM is also a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance, which has 19 member airlines.
Air France-KLM And IndiGo launch codeshare deal
Air France-KLM and IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, have implemented the extensive codeshare agreement announced in December 2021. With this partnership, Air France and KLM will ultimately offer their customers access to 30 new Indian destinations and a large number of round-trip combinations for both business and leisure purposes. Customers will be able to fly to the destination of their choice with one single booking. Flying Blue members will also be able to earn miles on all routes covered by this agreement. On departure from their respective hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, Air France and KLM already serve four destinations in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. On departure from the multiple points in India, Air France and KLM will open up their global network of over 300 destinations to IndiGo customers, with more than 120 destinations in Europe and about 50 in the Americas. Henri de Peyrelongue, EVP Commercial Sales Air France-KLM, stated, “We are very proud at Air France-KLM to be the first major European airline group to initiate cooperation with IndiGo. This codeshare agreement will allow us to increase our local footprint and to improve connectivity between India – one of the fastest growing markets – and the rest of the world, via our Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs. For our customers this means an enhanced network with as many as 30 new destinations in India, as well as increased roundtrip possibilities for both business and leisure travel.” Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to commence the partnership with one of the strongest European airline groups, Air France-KLM. This codeshare is in line with our mission to provide air connectivity and affordable fares across India and to international destinations. As this summer sees a huge interest in international travel after a hiatus of two years, the codeshare will extend our on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience across 30 incredible Indian destinations to Air France-KLM customers.”
Jetstar brings back transit with Air France, KLM and British Airways at Changi Airport
Jetstar Asia has welcomed back Air France, KLM and British Airways to its international carrier partnerships. The renewed partnerships enable customers to seamlessly connect between Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network and the European airlines’ global network via Singapore’s Changi Airport. Customers travelling to/from Europe on these full-service carriers can once again transfer to a Jetstar Asia (3K) service in Singapore and travel to any of the ten destinations Jetstar Asia currently operates to: Bangkok, Clark, Ho Chi Minh City^, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket and Surabaya. Clive Ashmore Butler, head of commercial and alliances, Jetstar Asia said it was great to see more airlines return to Singapore, helping restore its position as a global hub. “Our longstanding partnerships with Air France, KLM and British Airways will provide more exciting travel opportunities for our customers and a significant boost in the revival of Singapore’s air travel hub,” Butler said. “The Singapore government, Changi Airport and Jetstar Asia have an unwavering commitment to maintaining COVID-safe practices and providing peace-of-mind to all who transit through Singapore. While travelling, Jetstar’s Fly Well safety measures offer all our passengers an added layer of protection and demonstrate our commitment to keeping our people and our customers safe.” Air France, KLM and British Airways join Emirates, who was the first Jetstar codeshare partner to recommence transit passengers via Singapore on 15 April. Transit travellers must book their entire journey in one booking and check with the relevant authorities to ensure they meet all the relevant entry requirements for their final destination as restrictions may apply. Transiting customers will be checked through at their first international departure point for the onward connecting service at Changi.
Webinar – “TD Managing People During A Crisis Summit”
Continuing with the success of our prior HR Summit, this new format summit returns in the online arena and is coming all executives from the Travel and Hospitality industries to discuss ways on managing people during crisis